Coronation Street Icon Helen Worth to Depart after 50 Years on the Show

Iconic actress Helen Worth, known for her role as Gail Rodwell on the long-running British soap opera Coronation Street, is set to bid farewell after an impressive 50-year tenure on the show.

Worth, who has portrayed the character Gail Rodwell, previously Gail Platt, since 1974, will be leaving at the end of the year, following a significant storyline involving the Platt family on the renowned cobbled streets of Weatherfield.

The 73-year-old actress reflects on her decision to depart, expressing gratitude for the remarkable scripts, talented colleagues, and dedicated crew she has had the privilege to work with throughout her five decades on Coronation Street.

Gail Rodwell, a character brought to life by Worth, has been at the forefront of numerous compelling storylines, including the controversial 1999 plot where her teenage daughter Sarah faced a teenage pregnancy.

Notably, Gail was also entangled in a tumultuous relationship with Richard Hillman, a character who was later revealed to be a murderer, culminating in a dramatic standoff that captivated over 19 million viewers.

With an illustrious career on Coronation Street, Helen Worth’s portrayal of Gail Rodwell has earned her accolades, including the outstanding achievement award at The British Soap Awards in 2014.

As one of the soap’s most enduring characters, Worth’s departure marks the end of an era on Coronation Street, where she has appeared in over 4,000 episodes, approaching the record set by William Roache for his role as Ken Barlow.

The announcement of Worth’s exit comes amid a period of transition for Coronation Street, with new producers like Kate Brooks taking the helm to steer the show in new creative directions.

Despite the bittersweet decision to leave the beloved series, Helen Worth remains grateful for the incredible journey and impact that Coronation Street has had on her career and life.