Coronation Street Legend Helen Worth Reflects on 50 Years as Gail Platt
In an exclusive and revealing interview, Helen Worth, the iconic actress behind Gail Platt in Coronation Street, has opened up about her five-decade tenure on the ITV soap opera. Speaking with fellow former Corrie star Julie Hesmondhalgh, who played Hayley Cropper, Worth shared candid insights into her favourite co-stars and memorable moments from her career.
Favourite Husband Revealed
Having been married six times on-screen, Helen Worth disclosed a surprising soft spot for one particular spouse. "Richard Hillman was fun. I liked him," she giggled, referring to the serial killer character portrayed by Brian Capon, who attempted to murder her character by driving into a canal in 2003. Worth recalled how Capon tried to ease tension with jokes during filming, though she humorously noted, "The problem was we had heard them all anyway!"
When asked about her favourite husband, Worth responded, "Who was my favourite husband? The one I was working with at the time. Who do I think Gail's was? The last one - he did not try to kill me! But I did love them all." She also praised John Thompson, who played her sixth husband Jesse Chadwick, saying, "John Thompson was gorgeous to me. He was very sweet."
Early Days and Co-Star Memories
Helen Worth, born Helen Wigglesworth, grew up in Morecambe with a milkman father and a mother involved in amateur dramatics. She described her childhood as filled with entertainment, often performing for guests at her family's boarding house. Her first big break came at age 12 in a London production of The Sound of Music, where she overcame initial stage fright to discover her passion for acting.
Joining Coronation Street in 1974 was a daunting experience. Worth admitted, "I did not go into the green room for about six weeks as I was too frightened." She fondly remembered early cast members like Doris Speed (Annie Walker) and Violet Carson (Ena Sharples), calling them "the king pins" and noting their kindness. She also enjoyed working with Pat Phoenix (Elsie Tanner), recalling how Phoenix would signal for help with lines during scenes.
Longevity and Legacy
Reflecting on her 50-year run, Worth attributed her longevity to the fun and chemistry with her co-stars, particularly the Platt family. "What is the secret to longevity? It is working with fun people. I have worked with the best - the Platts. They were a laugh every day," she said. To maintain her stamina, she engaged a personal trainer for nearly 40 years, often working out in hidden locations on set.
Now retired from the soap, Worth expressed no plans to return to stage acting, citing nerves. She marveled at her enduring career, stating, "It only stopped last year; it just kept coming and I never wanted it to change - ever." In 2014, she received the British Soap Award for Outstanding Achievement, cementing her status as a television legend.
Julie Hesmondhalgh's Perspective
Interviewer Julie Hesmondhalgh, who played Hayley Cropper for 16 years, shared her own views on soap opera acting. She criticized the snobbery sometimes associated with soaps, explaining, "It feels like there is snobbery. I auditioned for a very famous director and he was very scathing about it." Hesmondhalgh highlighted the unique acting style of Coronation Street, describing it as "ever so slightly heightened, a little bit camp," and praised the skill required to transition between comedy and tragedy.
She also reminisced about starstruck moments on set, saying, "I was such a super fan. I always thought I belonged at the gates collecting autographs and somehow I had been let in." The interview was conducted to raise funds for Manchester's Hope Mill Theatre, adding a charitable dimension to this nostalgic conversation.
