Coronation Street star says their 'heart is shattered' and 'year ruined' after unexpected announcement

The actor was among the ITV soap's cast reacting to the news of Helen Worth quitting after five decades

Coronation Street star Jude Riordan has said his ‘year has been ruined’ and his ‘heart shattered’ following news of an unexpected exit from Weatherfield. The actor was among the ITV soap's cast reacting to the news of Helen Worth quitting after five decades.

The actress is famed for playing Gail Platt in the ITV soap having joined at 23 years old in 1979. Her first appearance on Corrie came 14 years after it aired for the very first time.

And Helen will soon be celebrating 50 years of playing the Platt matriarch who over the years has endured a number of failed romances, near-death experiences, drama with her children - Nick, Sarah-Lou and David - and finding out her brother was a serial killer.

READ MORE: Coronation Street legend Helen Worth shares 'perfect' reason for exit as Gail Platt

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However, as Helen marks her major soap milestone, she will also be looking forward to a very different future, as she has made the difficult decision to step down from her much-loved role at the end of the year.

Sharing the reason behind her exit, Helen said in a statement: "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."

She added: "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."

It's been confirmed that the soap icon, 73, will start filming her exit story next month and the emotional scenes will be on screen at the end of the year.

Sharing the announcement on his Instagram Story, Jude, who plays Gail’s grandson Sam Blakeman in Corrie, said: "Heart shattered," alongside a broken heart emoji. He added: "The Platts won’t be the same without Granny Gail! How lucky am I to have worked with Helen. She is very special to me."

He also joined his castmates in responding to the post shared on Instagram, saying@ “This has ruined my year. Sam can't not have Granny Gail around.” On-screen daughter Tina O'Brien commented:: "Can’t put into words how much I love and adore Helen,” alongside a single tear-crying emoji and a love heart. On-screen granddaughter Lucy Fallon simply commented with a single tear-crying emoji

Daniel Brocklebank replied: "She will be so missed. We adore her. Samia Longchambon commented: "We will miss Helen so much!" Colson Smith shared: "A Corrie Icon." Lucy Fallon simply commented with a single tear-crying emoji. Sally Carman-Duttine shared: "Wonderful Helen, she will be sorely missed. A really special person." Jodie Prenger added: "A genuine icon."

Sharing the post to his Instagram Story, Alan Halsall, who has spent half of Helen’s career as her co-star, said: "Wow!! 50 years [clapping emoji]. A true @coronationstreet ICON. And such a beautiful person too."