Coronation Street star confirms legendary actor Sean Wilson WILL return as Martin Platt and rekindle old flame with ex Gail – as part of Helen Worth’s exit storyline

A Coronation Street star has confirmed the return of Sean Wilson’s legendary character Martin Platt, as part of the departure of his ex Gail Platt (Helen Worth).

Iconic actress Helen, 73, recently announced she is retiring from the cobbles after 50 years, and showbiz bosses are doing everything they can to make that happen.

And Martin returns to rekindle his old romance with Gail, hoping to whisk her off into the sunset as part of her departure.

Actor Paddy Bever, who plays Helen’s grandson Max Turner, spoke candidly about Martin’s big return now that Gail is leaving.

According to The sunPaddy said he was “absolutely” looking forward to working with Sean, 59.

Iconic actress Helen, 73, recently announced she’s retiring from the cobbles for good after 50 years, and show bosses are doing everything they can to make amends (Helen and Sean pictured in 1989)

He told the publication: “I haven’t met him yet, but I’ve heard a lot of nice things. As for Helen leaving, I can’t share too much, but what I can say is that we know it’s a happy ending.

“And I know Helen is happy, and as long as Helen is happy, everybody should be happy.”

According to The sunGail eventually gets a happy ending, as she strikes up a new romance with Martin Platt and sails off into the sunset.

Sean, who is best known for his role as Martin in the ITV soap, will return for her final scenes after quitting the show in 2005 to become a cheesemaker.

And although the couple’s decade-long union ended when Sean’s character Martin had an affair, it is considered the most successful relationship of Gail’s previous five marriages.

A source said The sun: ‘Several options were considered for Gail’s departure from the cobbles, but bosses knew this had to be a moment to celebrate one of Corrie’s most iconic characters and to honour Helen’s astonishing run in the soap.’

‘It just didn’t feel right to kill her off or to put Gail through any more tragedy after, let’s face it, a pretty traumatic life.

‘Martin was always seen as the one who got away and bosses are glad they were able to persuade Sean to wave Gail goodbye.’

And Martin returns to rekindle his old romance with Gail, hoping to whisk her off into the sunset as part of her departure (both pictured in 2000)

Actor Paddy Bever, who plays Helen’s grandson Max Turner, spoke candidly about Martin’s big return now that Gail is leaving

Sean, who is best known for his role as Martin in the ITV soap, will return for her final scenes after leaving the show in 2005 to become a cheesemaker

And although the couple’s decade-long union ended when Sean’s character Martin had an affair, it is considered the most successful relationship of Gail’s previous five marriages

The source also indicated that viewers can expect “lots of twists and turns,” but the writers want Gail’s story to end with a happy ending.

MailOnline has contacted representatives of ITV for comment.

This happened after Helen gave up her role on the cobbles, after having played this role successfully for 50 years from 1974.

The news left fans in the UK shocked, with some taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to speculate about how her character’s story would end.

One fan pleaded: ‘Oh please let her go to Thailand. Please don’t kill her.’;

‘How are they going to finish the character of Gail, are they going to kill her off, are they going to leave it open for her to pop up here and there, where does this leave Audrey. So many questions.’;

‘Oh boy, I’m going to miss her. Another great actress leaving. Please give her a happy ending.’;

‘You better not let that character die. That would be a bad way to go about it for such a long-standing character.’;

It comes after Helen gave up her role on the cobbles after successfully playing the character for 50 years, since 1974 (pictured in 2019)

The news was a shock to fans in the UK, with some taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to speculate about how her character’s storyline would end.

‘PLEASE LET her have a happy ending! A nice husband who isn’t a serial killer that she can move in with. I’d keep an eye on Corrie for that.’

ITV confirmed she will begin filming her exit story next month, with the “emotional” scenes set to hit screens later this year.

Helen said of her departure: ‘This year felt like the perfect time to leave the show, after celebrating 50 years in the most beautiful job on the most beautiful street in the world.’

“I made the decision early this year and spoke to the producers, who were very kind and understanding.”

“I feel 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 last 50 years have flown by and I don’t think the fact that I’m leaving has fully sunk in yet.’

Fortunately, Helen hasn’t had a dramatic life like her character, once admitting that she would “end up in a mental institution” if her life were anything like Gail’s.

She added: ‘I come home and see friends and go to the theatre. Luckily I find it quite easy to switch off – I’d have a nervous breakdown if I didn’t.’

ITV confirmed she will begin filming her exit story next month and the ’emotional’ scenes will hit screens later this year

It comes after the actress, who is celebrating her 50th anniversary on the ITV show, made the difficult decision to step down from her role as Gail Rodwell at the end of this year

During her almost 50 years on the soap, the character has had many iconic moments, including when she was nearly drowned by her murderous husband Richard Hillman

Another groundbreaking plot came when Gail’s teenage daughter Sarah Platt became pregnant at the age of 13