Coronation Street enthusiasts were left stunned as Gail Platt was struck down by a heart attack and lapsed into a critical cardiac arrest during Wednesday's (October 23) episode. The gripping scenes on the cobbles saw medics fight to save Gail, eventually rescuing her from the brink of death with a stent fitted in an emergency procedure. Despite Gail pulling through the harrowing health scare, it's clear that the beloved Platt family head will bid farewell to Weatherfield before this year concludes.
Helen Worth, the actress behind the iconic character, has opted to take a break from her longstanding portrayal following a remarkable 50-year tenure in the show. The departure was confirmed earlier in June as Helen, aged 73, 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.
" Adding to her statement, the actress expressed gratitude for her journey: "I have been truly blessed to have been given the most incredible scripts week in and 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." Helen Worth, originally named Cathryn Helen Wigglesworth and hailing from Morecambe in Lancashire, embraced her middle name for her acting career, a.