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 legend Helen Worth has sent a heartfelt farewell message to fans following her final episode in the show.

After 50 years on the show, Helen Worth has bid farewell to the cobbles – and the much-loved character she created

The time finally came to bid a fond farewell to Gail Platt (now Chadwick), played by the wonderfully talented Helen Worth on Coronation Street. But there was the small matter of the returning Richard Hillman (Brian Capron) to deal with first.

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Legendary Coronation Street character Gail Platt left the ITV soap for good in Christmas Day's hour long episode

The 73-year-old actress has appeared on the show since 1974 but will make her final appearance on the famous cobbles on Christmas Day.

After 50 years on the cobbles, Gail Platt jetted off to a new life in France with husband Jesse Chadwick. The wedding comes months after turmoil and ups and downs but the soap icon finally bid goodbye to Weatherfield today as she left her family behind for a fresh start.

Helen Worth's final scenes on Coronation Street have aired, with Gail Platt deciding to marry Jesse Chadwick and move away from the Cobbles for good.

Helen Worth has quit her role as Gail Platt on ITV soap Coronation Street after fifty years and she sent a message to viewers after her final scenes aired tonight