Coronation Street's Gail
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Coronation Street – Gail Platt: A life of love, loss, and family drama

What was the story with Gail and serial killer hubby Richard Hillman?

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Coronation Street legend Gail is the much-married matriarch of Weatherfield, with a brood of ungrateful children, and a very troublesome mother! Her first scenes aired 50 years ago today (Monday, July 29.)

So, what’s her story?

Gail Potter came to Coronation Street as a teenager back in 1974, and by the late 70s she was a firm fan favourite after moving in with Street legend Elsie Tanner.

In fact, it was at a party at Elsie’s that Gail met Brian Tilsley, who had gate-crashed the do.

Helen Worth has played Gail Platt for 48 years (Credit: ITV)
Helen Worth has played Gail Platt for 50 years (Credit: ITV)

How many times has Gail Platt been married in Coronation Street?

Gail’s been married an impressive five times.

Gatecrasher Brian Tilsley became Gail’s first husband. The pair were happy for a while, and they were chuffed when their son Nicky was born.

Gail and Brian Tilsley with their children
Gail and Brian were happy for a while (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

But their marriage was full of ups and downs not helped by Brian’s overbearing mum, Ivy Tilsley, and Gail’s affair with Brian’s cousin Ian Latimer.

When Gail had her daughter, Sarah-Louise, she thought she could be Ian’s daughter. A blood test proved Brian was the daddy, but he struggled to bond with his little girl.

After that, the marriage hit all sorts of trouble and Gail was devastated when, after another huge row, Brian stormed off to a nightclub and got stabbed to death.

Martin was planning to leave Gail when Sarah found out she was pregnant (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

Coronation Street: Gail and Martin Platt

Coronation Street’s Gail fell in love with much younger man Martin Platt and despite the disapproval of the scandalised locals, the pair settled down and tied the knot.

The couple’s son David was born and things looked good.

But Martin struggled with teenage Nick, who didn’t want a new dad, and eventually, Martin had an affair with fellow nurse Rebecca Hopkins.

Martin was planning to leave when Gail – to her absolute horror – discovered her teenage daughter Sarah was pregnant.

After baby Bethany was born, Martin moved out and the pair divorced.

Marrying Richard Hillman

When Gail met charming Richard Hillman he seemed too good to be true. And he was!

Their marriage seemed happy but poor Gail was unaware that Richard had money trouble and was prepared to go to sinister lengths to cover them up.

Richard killed his business partner Duggie Ferguson then his ex-wife Patricia, and even tried to kill Gail’s mum Audrey Roberts and pretended she had Alzheimer’s disease.

Richard seemed too good to be true – and he was! (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

He also swindled Gail’s friends and neighbours out of their savings and went on to brutally murder Maxine Peacock.

When Richard confessed his crimes to a shocked Gail, she called him “Norman Bates with a briefcase”. Richard fled but returned a few weeks later determined to kill himself and his family.

He kidnapped Gail, her terrified kids and little Bethany, and drove into the canal. The family survived but Richard drowned.

Gail’s other marriages

After the disaster of her marriage to Richard, Gail stayed away from men for a while instead concentrating on her children who were putting her through all sorts of trouble.

Sarah was struggling after the death of her baby Billy and her romances with both Grimshaw brothers, Todd and Jason, while David was being even more troublesome than his son Max is nowadays!

But eventually, Gail met Joe McIntyre – dad of David’s girlfriend Tina – and the pair got together.

Like Richard before him though, Joe was hiding his money problems from his wife, and he planned to fake his own death and pocket the insurance.

Gail’s got the worst taste in men – as her infatuation with Lewis Archer proves (Credit: ITV)

His scheme went wrong though and Joe died, and Gail was even arrested for his murder.

After that Gail fell for Michael Rodwell – a reformed burglar – and the pair got married.

Though Michael briefly left Gail for Eileen Grimshaw, he returned, only for him to suffer a heart attack thanks to Corrie killer Pat Phelan, who watched him die in front of him without helping.

Throw in an ill-fated romance with Lewis Archer, another con man, and it’s easy to see while Gail – who is officially still Gail Rodwell, though she’ll always be Gail Platt to us – has stayed away from men for a while!

Who plays Gail Platt on Coronation Street?

Gail is played by actress Helen Worth.

Sadly, whilst this year marks Helen’s 50th anniversary on the soap, Corrie has also announced that this year will be her last on the Street. Gail’s exit storyline will air later this year.

Away from the spotlight, Helen is a keen animal lover and is patron of the Born Free charity.

She was also awarded an MBE in the 2022 Birthday Honors list for services to drama.

Coronation Street's Helen Worth in a current promo photo
Helen’s leaving later this year (Credit: ITV)

How old is Gail Platt?

Gail was born on April 16, 1958. This makes her 66 years old.

Helen was born in January 1951, making her 73 years old.

Gail’s mum, Audrey, was just 18 years old when she had Gail.

In fact, Sue Nicholls, who plays Audrey, was born on November 23 1943, making her 80 years old.

Back in 2020 on the ITV soap, Audrey celebrated her 80th birthday and Gail was offended when she was mistaken for the birthday girl by builders!

Helen Worth cuddles husband Trevor Dawson on the red carpet
Helen married husband Trevor Dawson in 2013 (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Who is Gail Platt married to in real life?

Helen was married to Thomas the Tank Engine narrator Michael Angelis for ten years from 1991 until 2001.

And in 2013, she married Trevor Dawson – a deputy headmaster, who says Gail was always his favourite character on the soap!

Read more: Complete Coronation Street cast list 2024 – meet them all here!

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Coronation Street usually airs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV.

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Kerry Barrett
Freelance Soap Writer