Gail Platt appeared on our screens exactly a year after her exit from the soap
Gail Platt sent a video message to the Platts on Christmas Day(Image: ITV)
Coronation Street viewers said the same thing after one star made an iconic return to the cobbles after a year away from our screens. Christmas Day brought even more drama onto the cobbles as viewers were invited into each household as they each celebrated the special day in their own way.
While things kicked off at the Rovers with the Driscoll clan, David was celebrating his birthday while doing the rounds looking for a missing gift from his mum Gail. The package said it had been delivered to his house but it was nowhere to be seen.
Gail, played by Helen Worth, departed Weatherfield exactly a year ago today. The unlucky-in-love soap icon finally got her happy ever after when she married Jesse Chadwick and fled the street to start a new life in France.
Helen Worth first appeared on the ITV soap back in 1974 and became one of the programme’s most legendary and cherished characters.
She was also central to numerous major storylines throughout the decades. From turmoil involving her children David (Jack P. Shepherd), Sarah (Tina O’Brien) and Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) to startling killings and infidelities, Gail’s stint in Weatherfield was packed with chaos.
Amid this year’s Christmas Day drama, soap fans were pleased to see a familiar face when Helen appeared on our screens once again. She had sent her son David a heartwarming message for his 35th birthday while wishing the Platt family a “Merry Christmas” from afar.
David Platt celebrated his 35th birthday on Christmas Day(Image: ITV)
In the emotional video message, Gail told her long-distance family: “Life is never easy, life is never straightforward but we’re a strong, resilient family and we can weather any storm. I love you all very much.”
Taking to social media after Gail’s surprise appearance, fans were quick to express their excitement and are hoping for a full-time return.
One said: “Welcome back Gail!” while a second said: “Awww a video. I miss Gail so much.”
A third wrote: “It was nice to see Gail (Helen) for a short appearance” and a fourth added: “GAIL COME BACK WE MISS YOU.”
Another added: “That was a lovely scene with an appearance by Gail. David was near to tears. So warm. Best scene of the night.”
Other soap fans are already planning ahead, suggesting her worrying words may foreshadow what is yet to come on the soap.
One wrote: “Gail’s message sounded far too much of a foreshadowing for the Corriedale episode.”
Describing the Platts as “strong and resilient” is key considering what the family are set to go through in the coming weeks. It has recently been confirmed the worlds of Coronation Street and Emmerdale will collide in a special crossover episode.
The hour-long broadcast, which is a first of it’s kind, will see the residents dealing with a horrific incident. Those confirmed to be in the episode include David and Shona, as well as Kit, Carla and Asha.
Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and ITVX