Coronation Street legend speaks out on soap future after Helen Worth’s shock exit from ITV show
A CORONATION Street legend has confirmed his soap future after fans were left rattled by the news of Helen Worth’s exit.
The actress confirmed she had quit the ITV soap as Gail Platt earlier this year in a shock statement.
Now, Simon Gregson has made clear exactly where he stands amid the news of his co-star’s decision to leave.
Fans were left stunned when it was revealed that Helen was quitting the show after 50 years.
It quickly sparked fears that other major cast members could follow suit and leave the programme too.
However, fans need not worry about the future of Steve McDonald as actor Simon clarified he was sticking around for the long haul.
He was chatting to Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard on This Morning when he revealed he has no plans to quit the soap any time soon.
Simon told the show’s hosts: “I’m staying – I’m having too much fun to go at the moment!”
He went on to quip: “I didn’t think I’d still be here 35 yrs later – but thank goodness I am because the mortgage still needs paid for!”
Simon was appearing on the programme as he chatted about reaching a landmark 3,500 episode for his character.
On-screen, Steve has recently been left heartbroken after his wife Tracy Barlow ran off with his footballing hero Tommy Orpington to live life as a WAG in Spain.
He has failed to find a love interest since then and has been more focused on helping his ailing father-in-law Ken Barlow amid his health woes.
When asked by Ben and Cat if Steve will ever find true love, Simon quipped: “No, I don’t think he’ll ever be lucky in love!
“I think he’s destined to be hapless Steve forever.
“Maybe he’ll find love – I think his biggest love is probably the dog!”
Coronation Street's shock exits 2024
Corrie has said goodbye to several cast members this year. Let's break down who's left the famous soap:
Eliza Woodrow (Savannah Kunyo) has said farewell to Corrie to start a new life in Germany.
The youngster moved to live with her dad Dom Everett, who went back on the £10,000 bribe Eliza’s grandfather Stu had offered to keep him out of her life.
Paul Foreman will bow out of the soap this summer when he loses his fight with motor neurone disease (MND) in tragic scenes.
After being diagnosed last year, the fan favourite, portrayed by Peter Ash, was devastated to learn he only had months left to live.
Viewers know he is planning to take his own life to end his suffering.
Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) departed the cobbles after being offered the opportunity of a lifetime to study in America.
Though she struggled to decide with her stepdad Paul’s impending death from MND, she was convinced she had to live her life to the full.
Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) has struggled with the sudden departure of his father Peter from the cobbles.
The Weatherfield legend left his family and loved ones behind on Boxing Day, 2023, when his wife Carla Connor encouraged him to travel around the world with a friend.
Simon’s been on a downward spiral ever since and his exit could end in tragedy.
Alya Nazir is set to leave the cobbles as actress Sair Khan prepares to go on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her first child.
It looks likely she’ll be heading to Dublin after securing a lucrative new job, leaving her colleague and fling Adam Barlow behind.
Show stalwart Eileen Grimshaw is taking a break to star in the Sister Act The Musical UK tour.
She’s had to leave the Street immediately after her son Jason broke his back after falling off a moped in Asia. She will be back filming in May once her dates on the tour come to an end.