Coronation Street icon breaks silence on shock exit and admits it 'came as a surprise'

ok.co.uk:

Corrie legend Alan Halsall has spilled on the emotional moment he found out about Helen Worth's exit from the soap. The Tyronne Dobbs actor was stunned to learn that after 50 fabulous years, Helen, who plays Gail Platt, would be leaving the ITV series.

Alan talked about the shock waves sent through the set, saying: "It came as a surprise to a lot of us. I know she said it to the people that are part of her family but it came as a surprise to a lot of us. "Helen is one of the top three legends - like Bill Roache, Barbara Knox and Helen.They're the matriarch and patriarchs of Coronation Street.To lose somebody like that - and for the show to lose someone like Gail, who has had some incredible stories over the year with her husbands, it will be a real loss for the show." Helen had earlier made waves with the announcement of her departure, feeling it was the perfect time to bid adieu after a legendary run.

In her words: "This year felt like the perfect time to leave the show after celebrating 50 years in the most wonderful job on the most wonderful street in the world." This heartfelt piece was reported by the Mirror, capturing the bittersweet feelings swirling around the cobbles.The Coronation Street stalwart Helen Worth, who has portrayed the iconic Gail Platt for 50 years, stunned fans with her decision to leave the cobbles to pursue new adventures, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Helen expressed, "I made the decision at the start of the year and spoke to the producers who were very kind and understanding.