Coronation Street’s Helen Worth ‘likely’ to take on new role in rival soap
Helen Worth has played Gail Platt on Coronation Street for almost five decades, but now that she's left the soap, she could be set to join a rival show
Coronation Street’s Helen Worth eyes up new role in rival soap after exit (Image: ITV)
Soap icon Helen Worth is reportedly eyeing a role in a different soap opera following her dramatic departure from Coronation Street after an epic half-century run.
Helen became a household name as Gail Platt, making her mark on the ITV soap back in 1974. Portraying the often-troubled Gail has seen Helen become one of the most adored figures on the soap scene, entangled in murder plots, torrid affairs, and family strife involving her children David (Jack P. Shepherd), Sarah (Tina O’Brien) and Nick Tilsley ( Ben Price).
Come June, the showbiz world was buzzing with news that Helen, aged 73, decided to bid adieu to the street that has been her home for 50 years, expressing: “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.”
The beloved actress went on to say: “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. The past 50 years have flown by and I don’t think the fact that I am leaving has quite sunk in yet.”
Fans witnessed an emotional farewell for Gail, which was intertwined with her potential new beginning with Jesse Chadwick (John Thomson), culminating in a poignant hour-long special on Christmas Day where she said a tearful goodbye to life on the cobbles.
Following her departure from Coronation Street, speculation is rife that Helen Worth could soon be gracing another soap. Betting company BetIdeas has given odds of 7/1 for the actress to appear in a rival soap.
Dom Aldworth, Head of Brand Marketing at Slingo, suggested that Helen joining another soap “would be a natural progression”. He said: “One of the most iconic figures in British soap history, Helen Worth’s portrayal of Gail Platt has made her a household name. Over decades, she’s expertly embodied the role of Gail, navigating turbulent family dramas and lighthearted moments.
The expert explained: “Her exit from Corrie will undoubtedly leave a void in Weatherfield, but it also presents her with exciting opportunities.
Joining a rival soap would be a natural progression for an actress of her calibre. “As for which soap, Dom suggested: ” EastEnders, with its high-stakes and emotionally driven plots, could allow Helen to explore a grittier side of her acting.
It’s easy to imagine her as a formidable matriarch or a mysterious new arrival in Albert Square, tying into major storylines with characters like the Mitchells or the Panesars. “Closer to home, Emmerdale is another soap Helen could potentially join. Dom added: “She could play a strong-willed figure navigating the show’s trademark family tensions and rural intrigue.”.
However, Helen’s potential career paths aren’t limited to acting. According to odds from Gambling.com, she’s a 5/6 favourite to join the Loose Women panel. And a turn on Celebrity Bake Off is also a possibility, with odds standing at 6/4.
