TV legend tipped for Strictly 2024 after quitting role of 50 years-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro

Strictly Come Dancing could be welcoming a TV legend this year (Picture: BBC)

Could Helen Worth be swapping the cobbles of Coronation Street for the dancefloor?

As Strictly Come Dancing rumours continue to swirl ahead of the 2024 series, fans reckon Gail Platt icon Helen could be signing up after confirming her exit from Soapland after 50 years.

The TV legend announced on Wednesday (June 5) that she will bow out of Corrie later this year, sending shockwaves through its viewership and causing an absolute meltdown on social media (she even made it to PopCrave!)

‘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,’ Helen said in a statement.

‘I made the decision at the start of the year and spoke to the producers who were very kind and understanding.

‘I have been truly blessed to have been given the most incredible scripts week in, week out, and to have worked with fantastic actors, directors and a brilliant crew. 

Helen Worth is leaving her role as Gail Platt (Picture: Joseph Scanlon)

She first joined Coronation Street as Gail Potter in 1974 (Picture: ITV)

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

Naturally, speculation is now rife about what Helen will do next, and the odds are in her favour for learning a Charleston or a tango.

According to betideas.com, Helen is 8/1 to take to the ballroom later this year.

However, the world is her oyster right now, as there are plenty of other career paths Helen could venture down, which will be music to fans’ ears as they already begin mourning the loss of a true screen icon.

If she is to remain on our screens, it is most likely that Helen will appear in another soap opera (7/1), while bigger challenges such as I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and Celebrity Big Brother (both 10/1) are also options for the 73-year-old.

‌A move away from television sees her a 5/1 shot to return to theatre, while retirement from the screens altogether is an odds-on chance at 4/6.

‌Lee Astley, spokesperson for Bet Ideas, said: ‘Helen Worth has graced the nation’s TV screens in the role of Gail Platt for half a century, but she has finally called time on her Coronation Street career.

‌’She may not be done with soap operas just yet though, with an appearance in another soap her likeliest next option should she remain in television.

‌’Strictly Come Dancing is also among her most favoured options, with I’m A Celeb and Celebrity Big Brother also among shows which she is fancied to try her hand at.

‌’With nothing left to prove in showbiz, there is also a strong chance that Helen will hang up her scripts for good (4/6) or return to theatre work (5/1).’

Whatever happens with Helen, there’s some time yet before she leaves Corrie completely – and fans can rest assured she’ll get the send-off she deserves.

In a statement released yesterday, executive producer Iain Macleod remained tight-lipped on Gail’s exit.

Could Helen be swapping her soap trophies for the Strictly glitter ball? (Picture: Justin GoffUK Press via Getty Images)

Details of Gail’s exit are being kept firmly under wraps (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)

‘Gail has given us countless hours of entertainment but it should also be said that Helen herself is a consummate professional and a thoroughly good egg.

‘Everyone connected to the show will miss having her around the place just as much as the viewers will miss having her on their screens and we wish her all the very best for the future.’

However, ITV Evening News entertainment reporter Rishi Davda seemed to have some more gossip: ‘Helen Worth is just behind [Ken Barlow actor] Bill Roache in terms of time spent on Corrie,’ he began.

‘She’ll begin filming her exit story next month – thankfully, producers have promised a happy ending.’

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