Coronation Street's Helen Worth, and in a bubble is Gail Platt
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Coronation Street star Helen Worth quits as Gail Rodwell after 50 years and Lorraine Kelly leads disappointed fan reaction: ‘It’s unthinkable’

The end of an era

When people think of Coronation Street, they might first think of legendary characters such as Ken Barlow, Audrey Roberts and Gail Rodwell.

With the latter soon to celebrate 50 years on the cobbles, the celebration will also see her sadly depart from the Street.

Yes, Coronation Street star Helen Worth has chosen to say goodbye to her iconic role and we’re totally emosh!

Coronation Street's Gail is smiling 50 years ago
Gail entered the cobbles 50 years ago (Credit: ITV)

Coronation Street: Helen Worth to leave role of Gail Rodwell

Helen Worth is to celebrate her 50th anniversary of being on the cobbles next month (July) but with this happy milestone of a moment brings some sad news.

The legendary actress has made the huge decision to leave the Street and say goodbye to her alter ego, Gail.

In a massive storyline for the Platt family, Helen will start filming her exit scenes next month.

This means that the matriarch of the Platt family will last be seen on screen later this year.

On this decision, Helen reflected: “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.”

Coronation Street's Helen Worth in a current promo photo
Fans haven’t taken the news well (Credit: ITV)

Fans sob at news of Helen Worth’s departure from Coronation Street

Today’s announcement (Wednesday, June 5) of Helen’s upcoming Corrie exit has come as quite the shock for fans of the ITV soap.

Taking to social media, fans have shared their disappointment over the news, with TV presenter Lorraine Kelly leading online responses to the news.

On X Lorraine, who shared a cameo scene on the soap with Helen, commented: “Noooooooo. Corrie without Gail. It’s unthinkable. I even forgive her for shooting me in the leg with a bow and arrow (easily done) – fantastic actress and a gorgeous woman with a big heart.”

https://x.com/reallorraine/status/1798340865804636315

Other viewers followed in Lorraine’s footsteps, with one fan writing: “This is the end of an era omg.”

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Another person added: “I’m beyond emotional, words can’t describe how upset I feel, we will miss you Helen and Gail.”

A fourth viewer wrote: “Wasn’t going to drink tonight but Gail Platt is leaving Corrie.”

A fifth fan sobbed: “Why is Gail Platt leaving Corrie causing me so much actual genuine despair?”

It’s unclear exactly what Gail’s exit scenes will entail. One thing is for sure though… We’ll never look at olives the same way again and we have Helen and Gail to thank for that!

Read more: Who’s leaving Coronation Street in 2024?

7 dramatic Coronation Street spoilers for next week (June 3rd-7th)

Coronation Street usually airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV.

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Tamzin Meyer
Assistant Soap Editor