Helen Worth has been spotted for the first time since quitting Coronation Street.
The 73-year-old actress has played Gail Platt for five decades and has decided that this year is the “perfect” time for her character to leave Weatherfield for good.
She was pictured out in London shopping at Sainsbury’s as fans spoke of their shock at the news. The soap legend cut a casual figure in a grey jumper and a pair of blue denim jeans.
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Helen kept herself warm in a cream long coat and covered her face with sunglasses as she run some errands in the capital. She will film her final scenes as Gail later this year.
(Image: MJ-Pictures.com)
In a statement to fans, Helen 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.
“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.”
(Image: MJ-Pictures.com)
It’s fair to say Gail is an iconic resident in Weatherfield, after starring on the soap for so long. The TV favourite have been involved in some of the show’s biggest storylines over the years and has three children who are still on the cobbles – including Nick Tilsley, Sarah Barlow and David Platt.
Gail is the daughter of Audrey Roberts and loyal fans will know Gail has been married to several suitors in Weatherfield over the years including Ben Tilsley, Martin Platt, Richard Hillman, Joe McIntyre and Michael Rodwell.
(Image: MJ-Pictures.com)
Beloved viewers will have to stay tuned to see how the fan-favourite will leave the soap later this year but bosses have teased an “emotional exit”. She made her debut in 1974 and received the British Soap Award for Outstanding Achievement in 2014.
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8pm on ITV1 or catch up on ITVX.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
