Coronation Street legend Helen Worth made a brief return as Gail Platt in emotional scenes broadcast on Christmas Day. The 74-year-old actress, who left the soap last year after 50 years, recorded a video message for her family back in Weatherfield from her new home in France.
In the message, Gail acknowledged her son David's birthday, which falls on Christmas Day, and sent her love amid daughter-in-law Shona's difficult pregnancy. The couple have been facing complex decisions after learning their baby has a tumour.
Gail said: 'Hello, it's me! I speak to you today on, what is, of course, our first wedding anniversary. Thank you, David for my extra large jar of olives. Very funny! I hope you've all been having the most wonderful day and, of course, David, happy birthday.'
She added: 'David and Shona, you and your baby are utmost in my heart. Life is never easy, life is never straightforward, but we are a strong, resilient family and we can weather any storm.'
Gail left the cobbles last Christmas after marrying Jesse Chadwick, following a 50-year tenure that included storylines such as marrying a serial killer and navigating her children's dramas. Helen Worth first appeared on Coronation Street in 1974.
