Coronation Street actors Jack P Shepard, Colson Smith and Ben Price have discussed the departure of soap legend Helen Worth on their latest podcast. The Podcast, ‘On The Sofa with Colson, Jack and Ben’ allows fans to have an insight into the stars’ lives off screen, including work anecdotes and general conversation.
Colson Smith who plays the role of Craig Tinker on the ITV soap asked his co-stars Jack and Ben how they found out about the Gail Platt stars plans to leave the cobbles. Jack plays David Platt on and Ben plays the role of Nick Tilsley, Helen Worth’s on-screen sons.
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Jack Shepard, who has played the role of David Platt since 2000 said: “It was around this time last year, so November. She phoned us, first of all I got a missed call from her and I thought ‘that’s a butt dial’ so I blank it and then I got a text from Tina (Sarah Platt) saying Helen’s trying to ring you, so I thought this is bad.”
Jack decided to phone his on-screen mum back and she told him “I’m going, I’ve decided to leave” and she felt she had done her time. He told her she had earned it. Praising Gail Platt’s 50 year’s on screen, Jack added “50 years in any gig is a long time.”
Back in June, Gail Platt star Helen Worth, 73, announced she will be leaving her role after a huge five decades and some iconic scenes on the cobbles. Details of what the storyline will be that leads to Gail leaving the soap after decades on screen have not been confirmed, but bosses have teased that it will be “emotional” and will no doubt be a fitting departure for a soap legend.
She 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.”
On the podcast, Ben Price said: “I think she was more nervous about ringing us than she was about leaving.” He has played Nick Tilsley on the ITV soap opera Coronation Street, has been on the show since December 21, 2009.
