Coronation Street's fresh boss, Kate Brooks, has spilled the beans on a treasured character's decision to vacate the hit ITV show.
The esteemed Helen Worth, aged 73, divulged her intentions to bid farewell to the iconic series this June, claiming it was the "perfect time" for an exit. Renowned for her portrayal of Gail Platt since 1974, she swiftly became an adored staple within the soap.
Having completed her final scenes earlier this month, Worth's departure will grace screens during the eagerly anticipated festive episodes. Brooks, the new force at the helm, expressed how the news of Helen's exit deeply affected fans and herself alike.
In discussions with Plymouth Live amongst others, Brooks dished out snippets for this year's seasonal happenings in Weatherfield promising thrilling content that is "very fun" and "really lively" whilst cautioning that "lots of bombshells are dropped".
Amid the spoilers Kate disclosed, one surrounds Gail Platt's potential nuptials to Jesse Chadwick (played by John Thomson), but remained tight-lipped, saying: "Whether she goes through with that or not, I cannot tell anything.", reports Plymouth Live.
Moreover, the newly appointed boss opened up about her feelings, revealing "I'm devastated" upon touching upon Gail's absence from the show. Lamenting the departure, she continued: "I'm devastated that Gail is leaving. It really devastates me."
"For she is truly an emblematic figure. And I deem the term 'iconic' is frequently thrown around too loosely, but we're talking about Gail! Nearly half a century on the street has seen her transformation."
Discussing the pivotal 'rule' for Gail's exit story, Kate mentioned: "It was really important to make sure her exit and departure felt really fitting and in keeping with who she is as a character."
Reflecting on her own planned departure in June, Helen remarked: "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."
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX
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