The long-time legend of Coronation Street is parting ways with Weatherfield after 50 years on the hugely popular soap, but she won’t be forgotten as matriarch Gail Platt

As Coronation Street viewers prepare to say a fond farewell to Gail Platt, the Mirror takes a look at soap icon Helen Worth's agonising heartache after her first marriage fell apart

Helen celebrated 50 years of playing the Platt Matriarch over the summer before her Christmas Day exit from the cobbles

After Brian's death, Gail began a relationship with Martin Platt, who was ten years her junior. Their son David was born in 1990 and in 1991 they got married and moved into No.8 with the children, with the home being where Gail continued to live for the next 33 years.

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.

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 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.