Coronation Street legend Thelma Barlow teases return – and reveals Helen Worth’s ‘fears’ after Gail Platt exit revealed
CORONATION Street legend Thelma Barlow teased her ITV soap comeback – as she let slip actress Helen Worth’s fears after her character Gail Platt’s exit was revealed.
Thelma, who played the Cobbles’ Mavis Wilton for 26 years, recently came out of acting retirement to star in short film Sleepless in Settle.
The 95-year-old appeared on Monday’s Good Morning Britain to talk about the fresh 20-minute flick, which sees her striking a series of impressive yoga poses, and discussed how ITV veteran Helen had come to its premiere at the weekend.
Last month, we reported how Helen, 73, was quitting her role as troubled mum Gail after 50 years – with her final storyline promising “emotional” scenes.
The much-loved Coronation Street character’s exit plotline then came to light – and will see her reunited with one of her ex husbands.
Yet on Monday’s show, Thelma revealed her Ossett-born pal’s current state of mind – as well as her plans for the future.
Explaining they had caught up at the weekend, she said: “It’s lovely to have your friends around you, that’s what I need now.”
She confirmed there was “life after Corrie” and added: “Helen knows.
“She would love some radio I think.
“She said she’s too frightened to do other work [acting work] and you do get afraid to do other work.”
Thelma added: “If she wants to do radio, I am sure there is some there for her.”
GMB host Susanna Reid, 53, asked: “Is there no way they could drag you back to Corrie?”
Thelma replied: “Never say no.
“I just would be too frightened – the pressure on me to get things absolutely perfect.
“It was fine doing the film with friends because you know they would forgive you immediately.”
GMB host Ed Balls suggested that Thelma’s character could “pop in” for a farewell party for Gail.
Coronation Street's shock exits 2024
Corrie has said goodbye to several cast members this year. Let's break down who's left the famous soap:
Eliza Woodrow (Savannah Kunyo) has said farewell to Corrie to start a new life in Germany.
The youngster moved to live with her dad Dom Everett, who went back on the £10,000 bribe Eliza’s grandfather Stu had offered to keep him out of her life.
Paul Foreman will bow out of the soap this summer when he loses his fight with motor neurone disease (MND) in tragic scenes.
After being diagnosed last year, the fan favourite, portrayed by Peter Ash, was devastated to learn he only had months left to live.
Viewers know he is planning to take his own life to end his suffering.
Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) departed the cobbles after being offered the opportunity of a lifetime to study in America.
Though she struggled to decide with her stepdad Paul’s impending death from MND, she was convinced she had to live her life to the full.
Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) has struggled with the sudden departure of his father Peter from the cobbles.
The Weatherfield legend left his family and loved ones behind on Boxing Day, 2023, when his wife Carla Connor encouraged him to travel around the world with a friend.
Simon’s been on a downward spiral ever since and his exit could end in tragedy.
Alya Nazir is set to leave the cobbles as actress Sair Khan prepares to go on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her first child.
It looks likely she’ll be heading to Dublin after securing a lucrative new job, leaving her colleague and fling Adam Barlow behind.
Show stalwart Eileen Grimshaw is taking a break to star in the Sister Act The Musical UK tour.
She’s had to leave the Street immediately after her son Jason broke his back after falling off a moped in Asia. She will be back filming in May once her dates on the tour come to an end.
“Oh don’t keep on!” she replied, before bursting into giggles.
Ed continued: “It would be amazing.”
SAD FAREWELL
Gail Platt first arrived on the Corrie cobbles on July 29, 1974.
As of June 2024, she has appeared in more than 4,000 episodes of Coronation Street.
She also nagged an MBE in the Queen’s Jubilee Honours in 2022.
Helen will begin shooting her exit story in July 2024 and the emotional scenes will be on screen at the end of the year.
In an emotional statement, 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.
“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.”
