Coronation Street icon Helen Worth is set to leave her role of Gail Platt after 50 years on the ITV soap.
The actress announced her departure in a statement that shocked fans earlier this year.
‘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’, Helen said.
‘I have been truly blessed to have been given the most incredible scripts week in week out, and to have worked with fantastic actors, directors and a brilliant crew.
Gail has been part of some huge storylines over the years, including five marriages – one of which was to a serial killer – two heart attacks and two sabbaticals to Thailand.
It was in Thailand that she connected with Jesse Chadwick (John Thomson), who has since agreed to marry her.
Does Gail die in Coronation Street?
Last week, Gail suffered her second heart attack, leaving fans worried. Thankfully, she underwent a successful operation and is now recovering well.
Executive producer for continuing drama for ITV Iain MacLeod previously confirmed that Gail will not be killed off.
‘Gail won’t die. It didn’t feel like killing her off would be right,’ he told the Daily Star.
‘Gail’s exit is a brilliant story, I thought what do viewers want to see?
‘Gail has had a hard life. She had a difficult childhood and some disastrous marriages. So, we thought what viewers really want is a happy ending for her, so that’s what we’re doing.’
It seems that Helen was pleased with her exit story, as Iain continued: ‘Helen loves the storyline
‘Recently, she described it by saying, “It’s the perfect ending for Gail’, so I can sleep soundly at night.
‘You don’t want to inflict an ending on someone after 50 years that they’re not happy with.’
Helen is set to film her final scenes this week, with the storyline coming to an end at the end of this year.
