Coronation Street's Tragic Twin: The Heartbreaking Story Behind Sarah Platt's Original Actress
The world of soap operas is often filled with drama, but behind the scenes of Coronation Street, a real-life tragedy unfolded that remains one of the ITV show's most sorrowful chapters. In a heartbreaking turn of events, one of the original actresses who played Sarah Platt died just months after the character made her debut on the cobbles in the 1980s, casting a shadow over the beloved soap's history.
The Early Days of Sarah Platt on the Cobbles
Sarah Platt first entered the fictional world of Weatherfield in February 1987, born on-screen to mother Gail Platt, portrayed by Helen Worth, and father Brian Tilsley, played by Christopher Quinten. From the outset, Sarah was destined to be a central figure in some of Coronation Street's most memorable storylines. Over the years, she would navigate dramatic plots, including becoming a teenage mother at 13 and surviving a kidnapping ordeal with her family at the hands of her psychotic stepfather, Richard Hillman.
The Twin Actresses Behind the Role
While Tina O'Brien is widely recognised for her long-running portrayal of Sarah Platt, she did not originate the role. Instead, the character was first brought to life by newborn twins Leah and Lynsay King. The twins were selected for the part after being born two months prematurely, a common practice in television where identical twins are often preferred for newborn roles to manage filming schedules and rest periods. Leah and Lynsay were deemed the perfect fit, embarking on what should have been a shared journey in the spotlight.
A Devastating Loss for the Coronation Street Family
Tragically, in May 1987, just six months after Sarah Platt's debut, Leah King died of cot death at the tender age of six months. This heartbreaking event sent shockwaves through the Coronation Street community. Cast members, including Helen Worth, attended Leah's funeral at Butler Street Methodist Church in Manchester, mourning the loss of a young life that had briefly touched their world. Following this tragedy, Lynsay continued to portray Sarah alone, carrying on the role until 1999 when she decided to quit before her 13th birthday, at which point Tina O'Brien took over the character at age 16.
Lynsay King's Challenging Experience and Regrets
Lynsay's time on the soap was not without its difficulties. She has spoken openly about being bullied at school due to her fame from Coronation Street, which made her childhood challenging. In a 2004 interview with the Mirror, she reflected on this period, stating, "It was horrible. Today I feel sad that I let bullies drive me out but at primary school no one would let me join in any of their games." She also expressed regret over leaving the show, adding, "At the time I was relieved to leave, but now I watch and think 'Why did I get out of it?' And I do regret it. When I watch Tina O'Brien playing Sarah it feels weird. I don't resent her, but it does upset me because I'd love to act again."
Reunions and Reflections on the Cobbles
In 2004, Lynsay made an emotional return to Weatherfield to film a documentary titled The Kids From Coronation Street, reuniting with other child stars from the soap. During this visit, she had a poignant encounter with Tina O'Brien in the toilets, marking the first time the two had met. Lynsay recalled the moment, saying, "I'm not sure whether she knew who I was, but neither of us said anything. It just didn't seem right to say, 'Oh hi! You're the person who took over my role'." As for Tina, she joined the cast in 1999, initially on a three-month contract, and has since become a staple on the Street, reprising her role in 2015 after a break. Reflecting on her longevity, Tina noted in 2021, "Oh wow, if I knew then what I knew now, I would have been over the moon."
This story serves as a poignant reminder of the human experiences behind the glamour of television, highlighting both the joys and sorrows that can accompany life in the public eye.
