Helen Worth Departs ‘Coronation Street’ After 50-Year Run on ITV – Webstoryhub

Since 1974 Worth has been on the ITV soap as Gail and her leaving will be after what is said to be “a big storyline for the Platt family”. The filming of the scenes will take place next month. 

Talking about leaving the soap earlier this year, Worth noted: ‘After 50 years doing the most beautiful job on earth and on the most beautiful street in the world, this seemed like heaven-sent year to bid goodbye to it- i decided at the beginning of this year; i talked to the producers who were really nice’

“What a blessed person I am indeed! I am given the most amazing scripts every week and I work with such talented actors, directors as well as an amazing crew”

The Coronation Street star was expected to mark her half-century on the soap next month after more than 50 years on the show. On Tuesday (4 June) it emerged that she was only just about to equal William Roache’s (who plays Ken Barlow) lead in most number of appearances.

Since joining the show in July 1974, Gail has had 4,453 appearances while Ken has made 4,773 appearances as Ken from the first episode ever broadcasted on December 9,1960 at the age of 92.

Last year, Worth received an MBE for his services to drama. Accepting the honour from Prince William, the actor stated: “It is just wonderful. Receiving an MBE is quite unique”

One other record broken by the character Gail played by Worth is that she is the female character that is most married in the series having tied the knot six times coming behind Steve McDonald portrayed by Simon Gregson taking second place. She caused uproar in a classic storyline as her 13-year-old daughter Sarah (acted by Tina O’Brien) fell pregnant in 1999.

Besides, she got close to various murders such as marrying the serial killer, Richard Hillman(played by Brian Capron), and also imprisoned for killing her husband at the time, Joe McIntyre(Reece Dinsdale) and finally locked her own son David Platt in the bistro’s cellar after finding out that he planned to kill Kylie’s murderer who happened to be his new wife only after Kylie died.

According to the Executive Producer Iain Macleod: “The words ‘legend’ and ‘icon’ are common, but very much apply to Gail and to Helen Worth. Unfortunately, Helen is too modest to accept this compliment from me! For half a century Gail has been a prominent character in Coronation Street due to Helen’s input. She has also been the bone of contention for many unforgettable episodes, most times courtesy of her terrible taste in men!”

One of the most ground-breaking features in the history of soap opera is her ill-fated marriage to Richard Hillman, which also served to solidify Gail’s stature as one of Corrie’s greatest characters. The loving yet spiky relationships she shares with her children and her high-flying mother Audrey are typical examples of what makes the program excellent; that is, they are perfect examples of this show’s complex family dynamics being portrayed through Helen’s acting talents-defusing at one moment, and comic relief at the next, bringing Helen’s dramatic as well as comic abilities to life as well as that of her fictional clan.

Gail has entertained us endlessly but it’s essential to note that Helen is also a skillful actor. All those involved in the programme will miss her presence as viewers will miss seeing her on their screens too. Wishing her all the best in her coming years.