CORONATION Street fans have slammed Gail Platt’s exit storyline, branding it ‘abysmal’.

Viewers know that Helen Worth, 73, will be leaving her iconic role as Gail after five decades.

Initially, it was reported Sean Wilson would reprise his role as Martin Platt, Gail’s ex-husband, for her final scenes.

However, this was later axed – with Cold Feet actor John Thomson returning as children’s entertainer Jesse Chadwick instead.

John is now back filming as Jesse while the storyline starts to take shape.

It comes as several have been left unimpressed with how Gail’s exit is being handled.

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Taking to X, one wrote: “Utterly diabolical exit for Gail and of course, abysmal show!!!”

Another penned: “I really hate how #Corrie have written Gail’s exit.

“She would never leave to run off into the sunset with a man.

“Especially a man as forgettable as What’s-his-face. Truly abysmal.

“Helen Worth is lucky to see the back of this show. It will fall without her.”

While a third added: “Poor Gail, shameful excuse of a pitiful exit after 50 years of service she shouldve had one last big years worth of [storylines] leading to her exit with references and returns of important people from her past!!

Coronation Street icon Helen Worth’s exit storyline REVEALED as legendary character returns for her final scenes

“Then gave her the happy ending with her final husband as they move #Corrie.”

Actor and comedian John, 55, previously appeared as Jesse in the ITV soap from 2008 to 2010.

Although, in the character’s first stint, he was a love interest for Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver).

Helen previously confirmed she had signed her final contract and would leave the soap at the end of 2024.

Helen Worth quits Corrie – My View

By Carl Greenwood, Soaps Editor

Actress Helen made her first appearance on the cobbles in 1973 as Gail Potter – and has lived most of her life on them and what a life it’s been.

Beloved by millions through the last half a century, Helen created one of the most iconic characters on British television.

Behind only Ken Barlow co-star Bill Roache, Helen has appeared in more episodes of a television series than anyone else.

She’s had more weddings – and surnames – than almost anyone else and buried multiple husbands – all but one ended up dead.

Three kids, four grandkids and a serial killer husband (and brother) – Gail has been at the forefront of Corrie for decades.

She’s been imprisoned, framed for murder, almost murdered multiple times, she’s survived serial killers, her own children and a concerning addiction to olives.

Not to mention countless street brawls with frenemy Eileen Grimshaw.

But through it all she’s remained a Corrie icon and her exit will leave a colossal hole on the cobbles – much bigger than the sinkhole that opened up in her back garden.

New Coronation Street boss Kate Brooks has her work cut out to give Helen and Gail the epic goodbye she deserves.

The actress 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.

“The past 50 years have flown by and I don’t think the fact that I am leaving has quite sunk in yet.”

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At the time, bosses teased that Gail will “bid farewell to Weatherfield in a major storyline for the Platt family”.