Helen Worth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Helen Worth
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|---|---|
| Born |
Cathryn Helen Wigglesworth
7 January 1951 Ossett, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
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| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1961–present |
| Known for | Role of Gail Platt in Coronation Street |
| Spouse(s) | |
Helen Worth MBE (born Cathryn Helen Wigglesworth on January 7, 1951) is a famous British actress. She is most well-known for playing the character Gail Platt in the TV show Coronation Street. Helen played Gail for 50 years, from 1974 to 2024!
In 2014, she won a special award called the British Soap Award for Outstanding Achievement. Helen was also given an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2022. This award recognized her amazing work in drama.
Contents
Early Life and Growing Up
Helen Worth was born in Ossett, England. Her parents were Alfred and Gladys Wigglesworth. She grew up in a town called Morecambe in Lancashire. Helen went to a private school. Sadly, her mother passed away in a car accident in 1971.
Helen Worth's Acting Career
After finishing drama school, Helen started acting in plays. She also worked for the BBC Radio for a year. She had small, uncredited parts in movies like Oliver! (1968) and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969).
Helen also appeared on TV shows. These included Doctor Who in 1971, The Doctors, and Within These Walls in 1974.
Joining Coronation Street
Helen joined Coronation Street in 1974. She played the character Gail Platt. For many years, Helen said she loved her job and didn't plan to leave. She enjoyed Gail's dramatic storylines.
In 2010, Helen told GMTV that she loved the stories the writers created for Gail. She hoped these strong plots would continue.
Celebrating 40 Years as Gail
On June 9, 2014, a special TV show called Gail & Me was shown on ITV. This 30-minute documentary celebrated Helen's 40 years of playing Gail.
In June 2024, ITV announced that Helen had decided to leave Coronation Street. She had been on the show for 50 years! The show's bosses said Gail would have a "happy ending." Helen's last episode aired on Christmas Day 2024.
Helen Worth's Personal Life
Helen Worth has a home in London. She married actor Michael Angelis on January 18, 1991. They later divorced in 2001.
Helen then married Trevor Dawson, who is a primary school teacher. They got married on April 6, 2013, at St James's Church in London.
Helping Others: Charity Work
Helen Worth supports several charities. She is a patron of the Born Free Foundation. This charity works to protect wild animals around the world. They also help stop animal suffering.
In 2006, Helen spoke at the House of Commons. She talked about new animal welfare laws. She also campaigned for Anne, the last circus elephant in the UK, to retire.
Helen also supports ActionAid. This charity helps people in need. She has visited Sierra Leone to see their work there.
Film and TV Appearances
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Z-Cars | Maisie | Credited as Helen Wiggleworth |
| 1968 | Oliver! | Urchin | Small part |
| 1969 | The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie | Schoolgirl | Small part |
| 1969 | A Handful of Thieves | Rosie | Appeared in several episodes |
| 1970 | Confession | Cynthia | One episode |
| 1970 | The Doctors | Elsie Gibbs | |
| 1971 | Doctor Who | Mary Ashe | Part of the Colony in Space story |
| 1971–1972 | Time of Your Life | Pauline Jackson | Main character |
| 1972 | The Strauss Family | Elsa | One episode |
| 1973 | Helen: A Woman of Today | Mandy | Appeared in two episodes |
| 1974 | Within These Walls | Betty | One episode |
| 1974 | ITV Sunday Night Theatre | Susan Pitt | One episode |
| 1974 | The Carnforth Practice | Ann Pollock | One episode |
| 1974–2024 | Coronation Street | Gail Platt | Regular role; 4,472 episodes |
| 1981 | Peter-No-Tail | Molly Silknose | Film role |
| 2010 | East Street | Gail Platt | Special episode for Children in Need |
Awards and Recognitions
Helen Worth has won several awards for her role as Gail in Coronation Street.
| Year | Award Group | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Inside Soap Awards | Outstanding Achievement Award | Coronation Street as Gail Platt | Won |
| 2014 | British Soap Awards | Outstanding Achievement Award | Coronation Street as Gail Platt | Won |
| 2019 | British Soap Awards | Scene of the Year | Coronation Street as Gail Platt | Won |
| 2019 | BAFTA TV Awards | Must-See Moment | Coronation Street as Gail Platt | Nominated |
She won the "Outstanding Achievement Award" twice. First, at the Inside Soap Awards in 2006. Then again at the British Soap Awards in 2014.
In 2019, she also won the British Soap Award for "Scene of the Year." This was for a powerful speech she gave on the show. That same scene was also nominated for a BAFTA TV Award.
See also
In Spanish: Helen Worth para niños
