Coronation Street fans have been left surprised as they've been reminded of the age gap between the actresses behind iconic characters Audrey Roberts and Gail Platt. The mother and daughter, played by Sue Nicholls and Helen Worth, are currently at the forefront of the ITV soap.
Earlier this week fans watched as Audrey's drinking appeared to take a dark turn. The former salon owner has been staying with daughter Gail Patt and her family after having cataract surgery. But Gail and her daughter-in-law Shona Platt have been expressing concern over her drinking.
During Wednesday night's episode, Audrey was seen banging on the doors of the Rovers after Daisy Midgeley was a couple of minutes late opening and then Rita Tanner found her friend enjoying her first drink of the day. After she reminded her about her investment in the barbers, Trim Up North, Audrey decided to head back to work - despite having knocked back a few G&Ts.
Fast forward a couple of scenes and Audrey had flirted up a storm with Ryan Connor who had come in for a cut and has sacked her grandson David as well as Kelly Neelan and Maria Windass leaving her along in the barbers with no clients. Gail headed over the try, again, to talk some sense into her but it only ended in Audrey being furious and telling her daughter she'd be moving back home.
Left to her own devices, a drunk Audrey ended up staggering into the ornamental motorbike which fell and trapped her underneath as she cried out for help. Despite the chaos of the scenes, Corrie viewers were distracted after realising the age difference between the actresses.
Writing on Facebook, one fan of the ITV soap, named Lindsey, said: "Just checked, in real life Audrey is 78 and Gail is 71!" And they are indeed correct meaning the two soap stars are just seven years apart in age. However,. on-screen the pair share an almost 20-year age difference with Audrey being 82 and Gail 64.
But the revelation has surprised fans: "Wow. I didn't realise Helen Worth was that age. She looks easy 10 years younger," one said. Another commented: "They both look great for their age!" Lynn shared: "They act great together, Gail don’t look her age at all n I was shocked to hear the truth."
Dee wrote: "Wow! But they do work as mother and daughter. I remember Audrey as Marilyn in Crossroads, she was very young." Sarah replied: "I've always thought it was good casting. They do actually look like genuine Mum and daughter." Yvonne added: "I remember when I first heard they’re so close in age for real. Madness eh. They play mother and daughter so well."
In Friday night's trip to the cobbles (June 24), viewers will see Audrey lying motionless in the barber’s having been there all night. A passing Brian and Elaine hear a weak cry coming from inside. As Brian hurries off to fetch help, Stephen Reid emerges from a taxi. Breaking down the door, Stephen’s shocked to find his mum barely conscious.
Meanwhile, the Platts have called a family meeting to discuss Audrey’s drink problem with Peter. As they debate Peter’s advice, Brian dashes in with the news that an ambulance is outside for Audrey, who’s in a bad way. Stephen’s furious with the family for failing to notice that Audrey was missing all night. As he leaves for the hospital in the ambulance with Audrey, Gail’s sick with guilt and worry.
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