Coronation Street’s Sarah Platt star Tina O’Brien opens up on ‘really hard’ exit scenes

Coronation Street’s Tina O’Brien, who has been portraying Sarah Platt since 1999 when she was 16, is marking her 25th anniversary on the iconic cobbles this month.

Over the years, she’s found herself at the centre of some deeply distressing storylines, including an unexpected teenage pregnancy, online grooming, sizzling affairs and devastating miscarriages.

She’s also had to say goodbye to many loved ones, with her on-screen mum Gail Platt (played by Helen Worth) set to depart Weatherfield in the coming weeks.

However, a year ago, Coronation Street viewers witnessed the Platt family saying a final farewell to one of their own when wicked Uncle Stephen Reid (Todd Boyce) met a grisly end.

Throughout 2023, fans watched as the Canadian businessman embarked on a murderous rampage on the cobbles before attempting to escape when his crimes finally caught up with him.

As he held Jenny Connor ( Sally Ann Matthews ) captive, the residents looked on in terror, fearing for her safety.

Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne), however, ran down Stephen to rescue Jenny, resulting in the killer being carted off the street in a body bag.

Last year, actress Tina O’Brien shared her feelings about those exit scenes and the impact of watching her on-screen grandmother Audrey Roberts (played by Sue Nicholls) witness her son’s death.

When asked if Sue’s performance moved her, she responded: “She always does, I mean there was a scene on the street when she’s crying at the end.

“I found that really hard to watch, it was long filming and in the end, you’re in a bit of a giddy mood. “Then to see Sue, who is just such a professional and so amazing.

“Yeah, it’s been really sad to see, it just goes to show that she’s one of those people that can do it all. She can do the comedy but she can really really hit you in the chest when it comes to emotional stuff.”

Sadly, another tearful farewell is looming as the Platt’s prepare to say goodbye to Gail.

It’s still unclear when this long-standing character will depart from the show, however, the bosses have informed fans it’ll be towards the end of the year.

With Jesse Chadwick (John Thomson) making a comeback to the soap after 15 years, revealing a secret friendship with Gail, could he play a role in her departure?

Discussing her departure, Helen stated: “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.”