How did Gail Platt leave Coronation Street? Helen Worth bows out in emotional twist

There were very emotional scenes on Coronation Street on Christmas Day, as an icon bowed out of the ITV soap for good.

After 50 years on the cobbles, Gail Platt set off for a new life in France. But did her wedding to Jesse Chadwick go ahead, and did she make peace with her family before bowing out of the show?

Helen Worth, who quit the role after five decades earlier this year, left the ITV soap in the big festive episode. Her character finally got her happy ending too, as she and Jesse did tie the knot.

Despite some big bombshells for the Platts threatening the big day, everything went ahead and the pair got married. With that, they said their goodbyes and left Weatherfield and the rest of the Platts behind.

Prior to the ceremony, Gail was still wondering whether her wedding would go ahead after learning of her mother Audrey Roberts’ betrayal, her son David Platt’s scheming and her new man Jesse helping David to cover up his lies. There was even the return of her dead serial killer husband Richard Hillman, who helped her decide on her future in a bizarre twist. Soon enough Gail patched things up with her mother and forgave Jesse and David, and it was all systems go.

In a touching moment, Gail and David had a heartfelt moment between them where they shared their true feelings. It was effectively a goodbye to each other, and the cast no doubt shared real tears.

There was also a teary scene where Gail told the Platts: “I love you and I wouldn’t change you for the world”. She told her new love Jesse he was her “love”, her “life” and her friend, vowing to love him until the day she died.

Gail also got a sweet moment with her other kids Nick Tilsley and Sarah Platt, amid drama surrounding each character. But despite David making a devastating realisation about wife Shona Platt’s fling, Sarah having her hands full with ex Adam Barlow’s hospital dash and Nick facing serious trouble thanks to his ex Leanne Battersby, the episode was all about Gail.

Gail sobbed as she watched her neighbours, some of decades, share their well wishes and goodbyes in a video montage. Soon enough Gail knew she was making the right decision, and she left with Jesse.

Several characters including the Platts gathered outside her home of 50 years to see her go. After hugging it out with her nearest and dearest and begging them to visit her once she and Jesse were settled, Gail took one last look around at the famous street she’d lived on for so long.

With that, she told her kids: “My work is done.” After saying her final goodbyes, she and Jesse got in the car and drove out of the street as Gail and actress Helen’s final ever scenes aired. Helen had shared the shocking news of her planned exit earlier this year in a statement.

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.”