Corrie legend Tina O’Brien breaks silence as on-screen mum Helen Worth quits ITV soap
Coronation Street star Tina O'Brien has taken to social media to react to the news that her on-screen mother Helen Worth has decided to quit the ITV soap after 50 years
Tina O’Brien has reacted to the news that Helen Worth is leaving Coronation Street.
The soap icon has played Gail Platt for five decades and has decided it’s the “perfect” time to leave Weatherfield. Although details of her departing storyline has not been confirmed, ITV bosses have promised viewers it will be an emotional one.
She will leave the soap at the end of 2024, Helen’s 50th year, with filming yet to be begin for the epic storyline. The announcement has left fans gobsmacked and her co-stars have also taken to social media to share their thoughts on Helen’s exit.
Underneath Corrie’s Instagram post confirming Helen’s departure, Tina, who has played Helen’s on-screen daughter Sarah Barlow since 1999, was one of the first to leave a message in the comment section.
The emotional actress penned: “Can’t put into words how much I love and adore Helen.” She wasn’t the only cobbles cast member to react to the news. Sally Carmen, who plays Abi Webster, wrote: “Wonderful Helen, she will be sorely missed. A really special person.”
Billy Mayhew actor Daniel Brocklebank added: “She will be so missed. We adore her” and Lucy Fallon, who plays Gail’s granddaughter Bethany Platt, simply commented a crying face emoji.
Speaking about her decision to bow out, she shared a heartfelt statement to her loyal legion of fans online. She wrote: “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.”
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 (Ben Price), Sarah and David Platt (Jack P Shepherd).
Gail is the daughter of Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) and loyal fans will know she has been married to several suitors in Weatherfield over the years including Ben Tilsley, Martin Platt, Richard Hillman, Joe McIntyre and Michael Rodwell. Viewers will have to stay tuned to see how the fan-favourite will leave the soap later this year.