Coronation Street Tina O'Brien's two-word verdict on Helen Worth as exit announced

After 50 years on the ITV soap, actress Helen Worth has announced she’s decided to step down from her role as Gail Platt, originally Rodwell. First making her Coronation Street debut back in 1974, fans have seen her character involved in a string of dramatic storylines.

However, as she prepares to mark five decades on the cobbles, the actress revealed she’s bowing out, with her final scenes airing later this year. Speaking to Express.co.uk and other media publications last year, actress Tina O’Brien, who plays Sarah Platt, touched on what it’s like working with her on-screen mum.

The soap star was asked if she finds it hard work to keep a straight face when filming family scenes. Although she confessed it’s usually her Coronation Street brother Jack Shephard, who plays David Platt, it’s often her soap mum.

She said: “Helen Worth is a cheeky one! She’ll get you laughing. She’s a bit of a dark horse, you think, there she is really sensible and behaviour herself.

“But, she’s the one that will make everybody, corpse, when you laugh on set when you shouldn’t do.”

Last year, The Platts took home the award for Best Family at the British Soap Awards as Tina expressed her joy of working with Helen, Jack and Audrey Roberts.

She added: “I love Helen and Sue so much. I started on that show when I was 16 years old and Helen has shown me nothing but love since day one.

“What she’s managed to do is create a feeling on set that we are a collaboration. You can work with other people and they can be a bit ego, Helen is all about making something that works.”

It’s not yet known how Helen will make her exit, although ITV has confirmed the actress will start filming her departing storyline next month.

The soap has teased her exit will be a major storyline for the Platt family, with many fearful Gail could find herself in the firing line of evil Joel Deering (played by Calum Lill).

Speaking about her departure, Helen said: “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 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.”

Paying tribute to Helen, executive producer Iain Macleod described her as an icon and legend.

He said: “Everyone connected to the show will miss having her around the place just as much as the viewers will miss having her on their screens and we wish her all the very best for the future.”

Coronation Street continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV from 8pm.