Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Saffron Otter

ITV Coronation Street: The real life of Gail Platt actress Helen Worth - family tragedy to famous failed first marriage

Coronation Street matriarch Gail Platt is a firm favourite for many fans of the soap.

The popular character has achieved her own cult following, with her entertaining mannerisms the source of viral memes.

Gail is played by Helen Worth, who joined the cobbles back in 1974, and has been a prominent figure at the heart of the soap's controversial storylines over the years.

She's a sucker for love and is the show's most married character - totaling six marriages.

READ MORE: Star Hobson child killer Savannah Brockhill receives twisted fan mail to 'cushy' cell in Styal prison

In her life behind the cameras, Helen, 71, has opened up about her two marriages - first to the late Michael Angelis, who narrated Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, and secondly to teacher Trevor Dawson.

The soap star married Liverpool-born narrator Michael, who died at the age of 76 in May 2020, in 1991.

However their relationship was rocked when he admitted to having an affair four years later.

Gail has been featured in the soap's most controversial storylines (ITV)

Despite forgiving Michael, Helen later divorced him in 2001 when it was revealed that the star had been involved in another affair with model Jennifer Khalastchi - who he went on to marry in the same year.

Speaking to the Mirror at the time of their heartbreaking split, Helen said: "Nothing can ever prepare you for the day your husband sits you down and tells you he is having an affair.

Michael Angelis on his wedding day to his then wife Helen Worth in 1991 (PA)

"My marriage was everything to me. It was the foundation on which everything else was built. I had been with Michael for nearly half of my life. I never imagined that we wouldn’t grow old together."

More than a decade after her divorce, Helen went on to marry Trevor in 2013, and admits it was 'love at first sight' with the 'gorgeous' music teacher from London.

Speaking to her former co-star Nigel Havers on a segment on This Morning last year, she said: "I met Trevor about 10 years ago and I just thank my lucky stars really.

"He's just gorgeous."

Helen found love again (ROWAN GRIFFITHS/DAILY MIRROR)

When Nigel then asked her if it was love at first sight, she quickly responded: "Yes, yes!"

Despite having long lived in London, Helen grew up in Morecambe, Lancashire.

At the age of eight, her parents fostered an 11-year-old Ghanaian-born overseas student, who remained with the family for eight years.

He left their home shortly after Helen’s mother was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident.

The actress was just 20 at the time, and has spoken about her devastation that her mum never got to see her in the legendary role as Gail.

The Daily Star reports Helen said in a previous interview: "The one person I really wanted to tell when I got the part of Gail was my mother.

"She would have been so thrilled. More excited than me. She'd been there all the way - at the dance classes, holding my hand before the competitions, putting on her best suit to take me to London for auditions.

"But when I finally made it, she wasn't there to share it with me. I'd never missed her more."

Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Manchester Evening News here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.