Veteran actress Helen Worth is preparing for a special return to Coronation Street, almost exactly one year after her emotional departure from the iconic ITV soap. The star, who played the much-loved Gail Platt for an incredible five decades, will make a surprise festive appearance, with show bosses keeping the exact details tightly under wraps.
A Glittering Career and Life Away from the Cobbles
Having appeared in over 3,000 episodes since her debut in 1974, Helen Worth became one of the serial drama's highest-paid stars. She reportedly earned a substantial £250,000 annual salary for her role as the unlucky-in-love mother of three. Despite her character's deep roots in Weatherfield, Helen's own life is centred in London, where she owns a home.
Although she grew up in Morecambe, Lancashire, the actress chose to live in the capital, making the lengthy commute to Manchester for filming. She often stayed in hotels during her time on set, enjoying a more private life away from the northern city where the show is produced.
Personal Triumphs and Tragedies
Helen's personal life has seen both profound heartbreak and private resilience. In 1995, she faced public humiliation when her first husband, actor Michael Angelis, had an affair that was leaked to the press. Reflecting on the betrayal in 2001, she told The Mirror: "Nothing can ever prepare you for the day your husband sits you down and tells you he is having an affair. My marriage was everything to me... When he told me, everything just went black." The couple later divorced.
Tragedy struck earlier in her life when Helen's mother was killed in a hit-and-run accident. The devastating loss occurred when the actress was just 20 years old, three years before she landed the life-changing role of Gail. She has since spoken of her deep sorrow that her mother never saw her acting career blossom.
What's Next for the Soap Icon?
Since leaving the cobbles at Christmas 2024, speculation has swirled about Helen Worth's next move. One persistent rumour links her to the BBC's flagship show, Strictly Come Dancing. As a known fan of the programme, she has been tipped as a potential contestant since announcing her Corrie exit. If she signs up, she would follow in the footsteps of fellow Coronation Street alumni like Ellie Leach, Catherine Tyldesley, and Tina O'Brien.
Her imminent return to Weatherfield, however brief, is sure to delight the show's legion of fans. They will be eager to see how Gail Platt is faring in her new life in France and what fresh drama might bring her back to the street where she became a television legend.
