In a heartwarming festive surprise, Coronation Street legend Gail Platt made a brief but emotional return to the cobbles during the show's Christmas Day episode on Thursday.
A Festive Message from Afar
The beloved character, portrayed by actress Helen Worth, 74, appeared via a pre-recorded video message for her family. The clip was played as the Platt clan gathered in Weatherfield to celebrate the festive season, which also coincided with son David's birthday.
In the message, Gail marked her first wedding anniversary with sixth husband Jesse Chadwick (John Thomson), before addressing her family directly. She thanked David for a humorous gift of olives and wished him a happy birthday, emotionally reflecting on the 35 years since his birth.
Fans Delighted by Nostalgic Cameo
Viewers were thrilled by the unexpected appearance, taking to social media platform X to share their joy. Many compared Gail's heartfelt address to a royal Christmas broadcast, praising the emotional depth it brought to the episode.
One fan wrote that it was the 'only scene I enjoyed tonight,' while another noted you could 'see David got emotional about Gail.' The cameo served as a poignant reminder of the character's 50-year legacy on the ITV serial.
A Fitting Tribute After Five Decades
The festive appearance comes just over a year after Helen Worth's departure from the role she played for half a century. Her exit storyline saw Gail leave Weatherfield after marrying Jesse Chadwick.
At the time of her exit announcement in 2023, Worth stated it felt like 'the perfect time to leave the show after celebrating 50 years.' Executive Producer Iain Macleod hailed her as a 'legend' and 'icon,' crediting her with being at the centre of some of the soap's most memorable plots.
The Christmas Day cameo, which had been rumoured last month, provided a perfect opportunity to reconnect Gail with her family as they faced new dramas without their matriarch, guaranteeing a nostalgic thrill for long-term fans of the show.
