As Gail Platt, Helen Worth has navigated family heartbreak, wrongful imprisonment, and five marriages—one of which was to a notorious serial killer.
This week, Helen Worth will film her farewell scenes, marking the end of her 50-year journey on Coronation Street as she says goodbye to the show’s iconic cobbles.
Announcing her departure in June, the 73-year-old actress shared, “This year felt right to step away after celebrating an incredible 50 years in this amazing role on the best street in the world. I decided earlier this year and spoke with the producers, who were incredibly supportive. Leaving still feels unreal.”
In her final storyline, Gail finds new romance with Jesse Chadwick, played by John Thomson, who is 18 years her junior. Jesse’s return marks a surprise twist for the character. Thomson, who exited the show in 2010 after two years, returns for this poignant reunion.
Since her debut on the ITV soap in 1974, Gail has been married more than any other female character. Her husbands included Brian Tilsley (played by Christopher Quinten) and Martin Platt (Sean Wilson).
Over 19 million viewers tuned in for one of the show’s most gripping moments, when Gail’s third husband, serial killer Richard Hillman (Brian Capron), drove her and her family into a canal. Gail was also falsely imprisoned after her fourth husband, Joe McIntyre (Reece Dinsdale), drowned. Her last marriage was with Michael Rodwell (Les Dennis) in 2015.
Worth’s departure comes alongside another shake-up on the cobbles: the show updated its classic theme tune with a heartbeat flatline after Gail’s on-screen heart attack. In a recent episode, Gail was rushed to the hospital following a cardiac event, as part of a storyline created in partnership with the British Heart Foundation to bring attention to heart disease.
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