Corrie fans were angered by ITV’s release plans for Helen Worth’s final episode as Gail

On By Littum

Kroningsgade fans have been left outraged by ITV’s plans for Helen Worth’s final episode.

The soap star, 73, has played matriarch Gail Platt in the ITV show since 1974 and her exit will follow what has been described as “a big story for the Platt family”.

In July, it was revealed that Sean Wilson would return as Gail’s ex-husband Martin Platt as part of the exit storyline, but the actor was suddenly fired after his return was announced.

Although Worth’s Christmas Day finale was scheduled to premiere at 7pm on ITV, reports have now claimed that the episode will be available to stream on ITVX Christmas morning hours before broadcast.

Long term Kroningsgade fans have called the decision “an insult” to Helen Worth after the many years she has spent working on the show.

“Gail’s exit should have been a huge TV event after 50 years on the show. But instead they push it on to ITVX in the morning before it’s even on TV. No respect,” one person wrote on X/Twitter.

“After she gave the majority of her acting career to the show, it’s unfortunate,” another person added.

“I’m not even being dramatic when I say they should have done a week of episodes dedicated to her exit. It just doesn’t make sense to me,” said a third fan.”

Helen Worth as Gail Platt on 'Coronation Street'

Helen Worth as Gail Platt on ‘Coronation Street’ (ITV)

Meanwhile, another fan pointed out that while Christmas Day was a “poignant place” to post Worth’s exit, the soap star’s final episode will clash with the BBC’s much-loved EastEnders Christmas special.

“It will be crushed and go out to an audience of not even three million viewers,” they predicted.

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Another social media user pointed out: “Hardly any promo where is Helen on This morning or The One Show – It seems that the whole story has been a disservice.

This is confirmed by a spokesman for ITVThe independent: “All episodes will be on ITVX at 7am on tx day (broadcast).”

Prior to Worth’s finale Kroningsgade episode, Gail is about to walk down the aisle at her seventh wedding and plans to leave for a new life in France with her latest husband Jesse Chadwick (John Thomson).

Worth was awarded an MBE for services to drama in 2023

Worth was awarded an MBE for services to drama in 2023 (ON)

But as usual, chaos ensues for the Platt family. Gail’s son David (Jack P Shepherd) comes under pressure from the Radcliffe brothers (Seamus McGoff and Harry Lowbridge) to pay back money he stole from them.

Elsewhere, Gail’s eldest son Nick (Ben Price) faces being convicted of fraud by his ex Leanne (Jane Danson) as he tries to plan a future with her stepsister Toyah (Georgia Taylor).

Meanwhile, Gail’s mother Audrey (Sue Nicholls) has rejected her daughter’s offer to join her in France with Jesse. But as their wedding day approaches, Audrey will resort to desperate measures to get Gail to stay on Coronation Street.

Worth’s character Gail holds several records, including being the show’s most married woman, having married six times, one after Steve McDonald (played by Simon Gregson). She rose to prominence in one of the most controversial stories of the time when her 13-year-old daughter Sarah (played by Tina O’Brien) became pregnant in 1999.

Worth has played Gail Platt in the ITV show since 1974

Worth has played Gail Platt in the ITV show since 1974 (ITV)

Speaking about her departure when it was announced back in June, Worth said: “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. I took the decision at the beginning of the year and spoke to the producers, who were very friendly and understanding.

“I have been truly blessed to have been given the most incredible scripts week after week, and to have worked with amazing actors, directors and a brilliant team.”

Kroningsgade broadcast on ITV1 and can be seen on ITVX.