Coronation Street fans say 'it's finally happening' as major return marks beginning of exit
Coronation Street fans have said 'it's finally happening' as they responded to Gail Platt's return. It's been a while since viewers of the ITV soap spotted the Weatherfield matriarch, played by Helen Worth, on-screen.
And they want to make the most of her while they can as it was confirmed in June that Gail will be leaving the cobbles after soap legend Helen decided to step down from her long-running role after an incredible 50 years.
It was previously confirmed that the 73-year-old started filming her exit story in July and the emotional scenes will be on screen by the end of the year.
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But it was during Wednesday night's (September 4) visit to Weatherfield that Gail's return was spotted by fans. She was seen at No.8 Coronation Street where there were celebrations in order as Max Turner turned 18.
Later, the family, including Gail, Audrey Roberts, David Platt and Shona Platt, were celebrating Max's milestone birthday in the Bistro with a meal and some drinks, hosted by Max's uncle Nick Tilsley.
However, there was soon drama for the clan as Leanne Battersby stormed the meal to confront Nick over his affair. Unbeknownst to Leanne, for months, Nick has been having a secret affair with her sister Toyah Habeeb. The romance emerged as Leanne pushed her family away in favour of The Institute and her mentor Rowan Cunliffe.
Corrie fans saw the penny finally drop for Leanne as she came across the 'upload' files on Rowan's laptop which he was using to blackmail Amy Barlow over her £40,000 investment. As she phoned her sister Toyah Habeeb to tell her she had been right all along, Leanne was heartbroken when she found the photo of Toyah and Nick kissing behind her back which Rowan was using to blackmail Nick.
She then stormed to the Bistro and exposed the news out loud in front of customers and Nick's family. He didn't deny he had cheated and in a secondary blow to Leanne, he admitted he had fallen for Toyah. Gail, of course, was unimpressed and later told Nick she had "never been more ashamed" of him before adding: "And that's saying something!"
But Corrie fans were flocking to social media to comment on her sudden comeback, knowing it will eventually lead to her being gone for good. @ConversationStr said: "GAIL WATCH: GAIL HAS APPEARED! #corrie #coronationstreet." @Dee_Cee95x commented: "Gail appearance on #Corrie? It’s finally happening!"
@bredrew2 posted: "Your vision isn't failing you. It's a Gail Potter Tilsley Platt Hillman Mcintyre Rodwell sighting at last! #Corrie." @misguidedtoby shared: "GAIL APPEARANCE FINALLY #Corrie." @penniless_poet added: "A sighting of the lesser spotted Gail Happy days #Corrie."
Others, however, were criticizing Gail over her disdain for her 'immoral children' despite her own rocky love life.@StVitusDance asked: "Really Gail? Really? #Corrie." @MeeshyJay said: "Gail whose had about a million husbands including a murderer and a thief talking about morals #corrie." @liamjmellor80 posted: "Really? The much married Gail has a bad opinion about this? #Corrie."
Meanwhile, @Dayjur11 pointed out: "Strong words from Gail, considering Nick tried to rob his granny out of her life savings before. #Corrie." @rozlaws added: "Come on Gail, they've done worse. Like embezzle poor Audrey. #corrie."