Advertisement

Coronation Street's Helen Worth calls MBE 'the icing on the cake' of 'extraordinary' career

Helen Worth received an MBE from Prince William. (PA)
Helen Worth received an MBE from Prince William. (PA)

Coronation Street star Helen Worth has said receiving an MBE for a life spent doing the job she loves is "the icing on the cake".

The soap veteran has played Gail Platt in the ITV series for nearly 50 years, having joined the cast in 1974, and received an MBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.

Read more: This week's Coronation Street spoilers

Speaking to the PA news agency about the investiture ceremony, she said: "He (William) was so lovely, so easy. He asked all the right questions. He was very complimentary."

Helen Worth chats with Prince William as she receives her MBE. (PA)
Helen Worth chats with Prince William as she receives her MBE. (PA)

She added: "It just feels absolutely wonderful. To collect an MBE is very special.

"But to receive it in this beautiful building and to be able to walk through it and look at all these pictures and tapestries, I love castles and houses in history, and so for me to come here today is just absolutely wonderful."

Read more: Coronation Street's schedule shake-up this week

Worth continued: "To have had a job and one that I love, and to be able to work in it is quite extraordinary. And then to get an award for it is just the icing on the cake.

"I have a little time off to begin with but I will walk in with my medal the day I do.

"There are quite a few medals scattered around the cast. They’ve all already been given them. I’m bringing up the rear really."

FROM ITV

STRICT EMBARGO - No Use Before  Tuesday 21st September  2021

Coronation Street - Ep 10442

Wednesday 29th September 2021 - 1st Ep 

Audrey Roberts [SUE NICHOLS] gets in her car but thereÕs a loud crunch. SheÕs aghast as Gail Rodwell [HELEN WORTH] reveals sheÕs reversed into RitaÕs car. 

Picture contact David.crook@itv.com

This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on  www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms
Helen Worth and Sue Nicholls co-star in Coronation Street. (ITV)

Worth's storylines as Gail Platt have included five marriages, helping daughter Sarah-Louise navigate teenage pregnancy, being driven into a lake by deranged serial killer husband Richard Hillman, being pushed down the stairs by her own son David, and a long-running feud with Eileen Grimshaw.

She is also known for her scenes with screen mum Audrey Roberts, played by Sue Nicholls.

Also at Tuesday's investiture ceremony was NHS England’s chief nursing officer Ruth May, who received a damehood for her contribution to nursing, midwifery and the NHS.