CORONATION Street fans are preparing to say goodbye to a true soap legend as Helen Worth departs Weatherfield.

His co-stars Ben Price (Nick Tilsley) and Jack P Shepherd (David Platt), who play his on-screen sons, recently shared how they were told the news.

3

3

Jack Shepherd He explained that he first learned of Helen’s decision around November last year.

He told listeners of his On The Sofa podcast: “She called us.

“First of all, I got a missed call from her and I thought, that’s a hard dial. So I left it blank.

“Then I got a text from Tina saying, ‘Helen is trying to call you.’ So I thought, oh, this is bad. So I called her.

“She said, ‘Oh, hi, hi.’ She had told Ben and Tina.

“So now I know instantly that she’s gone. She says, ‘I’m leaving. I’ve decided to leave.’ She feels like she’s done her time.

“Which is fine. Then I say, ‘Great, fantastic, you’ve earned it.’ I mean hell, if anyone else: 50 years at any gig is a long time.”

Ben Price She also recalled the bittersweet conversation, adding, “I think she was more nervous about calling us than she was about leaving.”

Reports in the Sunday Mirror have suggested that Helen’s final story will be as dramatic as her long tenure deserves.

Gail is rumored to be heading towards a joyful farewell, with a final wedding on the horizon.

Wedding scenes are reportedly being filmed now and Gail’s romance with a character named Jesse is expected to bring her a happy ending after years of tumultuous relationships.

When he announced his departure from Coronation Street publicly earlier this year, helen told fans: “This year seemed 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 beginning of the year and spoke to the producers, who were very kind and understanding.

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

“The last 50 years have flown by and I don’t think it’s yet fully sunk in that I’m leaving.”

3