Coronation Street's longstanding, long-suffering character Gail will bid farewell to Weatherfield on Christmas Day, after 50 years on the cobbles. Actress Helen Worth has stuck with the character through thick and thin since 1974,

Coronation Street star Brian Capron has spoken about his shock return to the show for the first time. The actor reprised his role as dead character Richard Hillman in the closing moments of the soap's Christmas Eve episode.

One of Helen's most dramatic Corrie storylines took place in 2003 when Gail, her daughter Sarah Platt (Tina O’Brien) and son David Platt (Jack P Shepherd) were kidnapped and driven into a canal by evil serial killer Richard Hillman, played by Brian Capron.

The BBC soap will air two episodes on December 25, in a real treat for fans. The first will start at 7.30pm and run to 8pm - being followed by Call the Midwife. EastEnders will then return at 10.35pm for a second episode on Christmas day - and it is a new one, not just a repeat of earlier. This will also run for 30 minutes and finish at 11pm.

Coronation Street is set for a tearful, dramatic Christmas Day as a beloved character bids farewell. Helen Worth, who has portrayed Gail Platt for an impressive 50 years, will be leaving the ITV soap.