Coronation Street star Sean Wilson has suddenly quit the soap, forcing bosses to reportedly scrap Martin Platt’s return storyline.
The actor was set to reprise his role as Martin Platt in October as part of his exit from ex-wife Gail, but sources say his full storyline has already been scrapped.
According The sunSean’s departure came as a huge shock and the cast was unaware of the reason for his departure.
A rep for the soap said the actor left “for personal reasons” and that none of Sean’s scenes will be aired, with Gail’s entire exit storyline being frantically rewritten by bosses.
Sean had returned to Corrie in July to film his first scenes, and had already recorded episodes with a host of the soap’s stars.
Coronation Street star Sean Wilson has suddenly quit the soap, forcing bosses to scrap Martin Platt’s return storyline.
A source said: “It has come as a complete and utter shock to everyone, and his sudden exit has shocked everyone connected with Corrie. Sean was delighted with his time on the show and was very popular on set.
‘He had filmed scenes with a large cast, but was suddenly summoned to the head office and then it was leaked that he would not be returning or that his scenes would be broadcast, but he offered no explanation.
‘It’s clearly a blow for bosses, who now have to find a magical new happy ending for Helen, but they are confident they will succeed and deliver something wonderful for viewers.’
An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline: “Sean Wilson has left filming for personal reasons.”
Sean’s agent told the publication: “Neither he nor I will be making any further comment or statement.”
In July, it was confirmed that Sean would reprise his role as Martin Platt, as part of Gail’s exit after 50 years on the cobbles.
As Sean collected his first scripts to begin filming, he said: ‘It was fantastic to be invited back to Coronation Street to contribute to Helen’s exit story.
‘We’ll have a few months to catch up with Martin and Gail again, following the ups and downs of the developing story.
The actor was due to reprise his role as Martin Platt in October as part of his ex-wife Gail’s exit, but has now left the soap, with his bosses citing “personal reasons”.
Sean had returned to Corrie in July to film his first scenes, and had already recorded episodes with a host of the soap’s stars.
‘Playing Martin has been a joy from day one and in some ways I’ll be picking up where I left off, which will no doubt be a huge blow to the Platt family.
“It’s like putting on an old, comfortable sweater from the back of the closet… I can’t wait to be reunited with my TV family.”
Sean played Martin for 20 years, from 1985 to 2005, before he and his family emigrated to New Zealand in 2018 and he made one final visit to Weatherfield before his departure to make amends with David, who was upset that his father was leaving the country.
According The sunAfter all, Gail was set for a happy ending, rekindling her romance with Martin and sailing off into the sunset.
A source said The sun‘A number of options were considered for Gail’s exit from the cobbles, but bosses knew it was the right time to truly celebrate one of Corrie’s most iconic characters, as well as honour Helen’s amazing career on the soap.’
‘It just wasn’t right to kill her or let Gail suffer more tragedy after, let’s face it, a pretty traumatic life.
In July, it was confirmed that Sean would reprise his role as Martin Platt, as part of Gail’s exit after 50 years on the cobbles.
Sean had left Corrie in 2005 to pursue a career in cheesemaking, and the news of his return was greeted with great fanfare.
‘Martin was always considered the one that got away and bosses are delighted to have been able to tempt Sean back to say goodbye to Gail.’
The source also revealed that viewers should expect to see “a lot of twists and turns,” but the writers want Gail’s story to end on a happy note.
This comes after Helen left her role on the cobbles after successfully playing the character for 50 years from 1974.
The news devastated fans across the UK, with some taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to speculate on how his character’s story will end.
ITV has confirmed that filming for her exit story will begin next month and the “emotional” scenes will be on screen by the end of the year.
Sharing the news of her departure, Helen said: “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.”
After all, Gail was set to have a happy ending, rekindling her romance with Martin and sailing off into the sunset, but her exit story is now being hastily rewritten.
“I made the decision at the beginning of the year and spoke to the producers, who were very kind and understanding.”
‘I’ve been really lucky to be given the most incredible scripts week after week and to have worked with fantastic actors and directors and a brilliant crew.’
‘The last 50 years have flown by and I don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet that I’m leaving.’
Thankfully, Helen hasn’t had as dramatic a life as her character, and once admitted that she “would be in a mental institution” if her life was anything like Gail’s.
She added: “I come home, see my friends and go to the theatre. Luckily, it’s quite easy for me to switch off – I’d be a nervous wreck if I didn’t.”
