Coronation Street fans are in for a nostalgic treat as Helen Worth, who has played the iconic character Gail Platt since 1974, prepares to exit the show. Worth, 73, recently announced her departure, marking the end of an era for the beloved ITV soap. Her exit storyline promises to be a major event for the Platt family, with filming set to commence soon.
In a surprising twist, it has been reported that Sean Wilson will reprise his role as Martin Platt, Gail’s former husband, to mark her departure. Martin’s return to the cobbles will be his first appearance since 2005. According to The Sun, this reunion will lead to a happy ending for Gail, a character who has faced immense heartbreak and turmoil over the past five decades, including six failed marriages.
However, the storyline won’t be without its complications. A source revealed, “The plotline has many nuances, twists, and turns, but scriptwriters want this to feel like a gorgeous end to Gail’s story, with her finally finding her happy ending.” The storyline was one of several options considered for Gail’s exit, with the source adding, “Bosses knew the moment needed to truly celebrate one of Corrie’s most iconic characters as well as honor Helen’s astonishing run on the soap.”
The decision to bring back Sean Wilson for this significant storyline has thrilled the show’s bosses. Speaking about her departure, Worth said, “This year felt like the perfect time to leave the show after celebrating 50 years in the most wonderful job on the most wonderful street in the world. I made the decision at the start of the year and spoke to the producers who were very kind and understanding.”
Worth has appeared in a staggering 4,453 episodes since joining the show in July 1974, second only to Bill Roache, who has made 4,773 appearances as Ken Barlow since Coronation Street’s first episode aired on December 9, 1960. Worth’s tenure on the show has been marked by some of the soap’s most controversial and memorable storylines.
One of the most notable storylines involved Gail’s 13-year-old daughter Sarah, played by Tina O’Brien, becoming pregnant in 1999. Gail has also been involved in numerous dramatic arcs, including marrying serial killer Richard Hillman, played by Brian Capron, being imprisoned for the murder of her husband Joe McIntyre, played by Reece Dinsdale, and locking her son David Platt in the cellar of a Bistro after discovering he planned to kill his late wife Kylie’s murderer.
Gail’s many street brawls with frenemy Eileen Grimshaw, played by Sue Cleaver, have also become legendary moments in soap history. Last year, Worth was awarded an MBE for her services to drama. Receiving the honor from Prince William, the actor said, “It just feels absolutely wonderful. To collect an MBE is very special.”
As fans eagerly await Gail’s final storyline, the return of Martin Platt adds an extra layer of excitement and nostalgia. The reunion of these two characters promises to be a fitting tribute to Helen Worth’s incredible 50-year run on Coronation Street. The show’s bosses are determined to give Gail the send-off she deserves, ensuring that her departure is both memorable and heartfelt.
The storyline is expected to explore the complexities of Gail and Martin’s relationship, offering fans a chance to reminisce about their shared history while also providing a sense of closure for Gail’s character. The return of Martin Platt is a testament to the enduring popularity of Coronation Street and its ability to bring back beloved characters for significant moments.
As the Platt family prepares for this major storyline, fans can expect a rollercoaster of emotions, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. The show’s writers are committed to honoring Helen Worth’s legacy by crafting a storyline that celebrates Gail’s resilience and strength, ultimately leading to a happy ending for a character who has been through so much.
In conclusion, Helen Worth’s departure from Coronation Street marks the end of an era for the iconic soap. Her final storyline, featuring the return of Sean Wilson as Martin Platt, promises to be a fitting tribute to her incredible 50-year run on the show. As fans eagerly await the unfolding of this major storyline, they can look forward to a nostalgic and emotional farewell to one of Corrie’s most beloved characters.
Source: The Independent, The Sun
