Platt's it for Corrie Gail

CORONATION Street legend Helen Worth is quitting the ITV soap after starring as Gail Platt for 50 years.

- MARKJEFFERIES

Helen made the shock announcement yesterday and will start filming her exit story next month, with bosses saying the "emotional scenes" will be shown on screen at the end of the year.

Actress Helen, 73, 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 made the decision at the start of the year and spoke to the producers who were very kind and understanding.

"I have been truly blessed to have been given the most incredible scripts week in week out, and to have worked with fantastic actors, directors and a brilliant crew.

"The past 50 years have flown by and I don't think the fact that I am leaving has quite sunk in yet." Helen joined the soap in July 1974 and her character has appeared in explosive storylines over the years.

Her love life has come to define the character, having suffered an affair and the deaths of four of her five husbands.