ITV Corrie star won't speak to on-screen mum after 50 years
by Matt Davies · NottinghamshireLiveCoronation Street's Jack P. Shepherd, known for his role as David Platt, has admitted that he doesn't plan to keep in touch with his on-screen mother, Helen Worth, who recently left the soap after 50 years of playing Gail Platt.
During an episode of the On The Sofa podcast, Jack confessed to his co-hosts and fellow Corrie actors, Colson Smith and Ben Price, that he generally doesn't maintain contact with former colleagues. He said: "No, I usually don't; I don't. If the opportunity arises, and they phone me, I'll answer", causing his co-hosts to burst into laughter.
However, Jack clarified that this applies to "all walks of life" and added: "That's just all walks of life. I don't ring anyone really. Who do you ring? " When asked if he had spoken to Helen since her departure, the 36 year old actor confirmed that he hadn't, while his co-stars revealed that they had indeed been in touch with her. In a recent storyline, Gail Platt suffered a severe heart attack leading to a near-fatal cardiac arrest, but was saved by a stent.
Corrie enthusiasts were already braced for Helen's departure after she revealed her intentions in June by stating: "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. I made the decision at the start of the year and spoke to the producers, who were very kind and understanding."
Born Cathryn Helen Wigglesworth in Morecambe, Lancashire, Helen embarked on her Corrie journey merely three years following her mother's tragic demise in a hit-and-run incident when Helen was just 20. With a starting date in 1974, Helen has not only been a fixture on the Street but has also graced other programmes such as Doctor Who's 'Colony in Space' and 'The Doctors', reports the Liverpool Echo.
In recognition of her dramatic contributions, Helen has been honoured with an MBE by the Prince of Wales.