Coronation Street star Sean Wilson has suddenly left 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 ex-wife Gail’s departure, but sources say his entire story has now been thrown in the trash.
According to The sunSean’s departure came as a huge shock. The cast didn’t know why.
A spokesperson for the soap said the actor left for “personal reasons” and that no scenes featuring Sean will air. Gail’s entire exit story is now being hastily 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 abruptly left the soap, forcing bosses to scrap Martin Platt’s return storyline
A source said: “It was a complete and utter shock to everyone – and his sudden departure has shocked everyone involved with Corrie. Sean loved his time on the show and was very popular on set.
‘He had filmed scenes with a lot of actors, but then he was suddenly called to the head office. Later it became clear that he would not return and that his scenes would not be broadcast, but he gave no explanation.
‘It’s clearly a huge setback for the bosses who now have to come up with a new, magical, happy ending for Helen. But they’re confident they can pull it off and give viewers something great.’
An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline: ‘Sean Wilson has stepped down from 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 farewell after 50 years on the cobbles.
As Sean picked up his first scripts for filming, he said: ‘It was great to be invited back to Coronation Street to contribute to Helen’s exit story.
‘We have a few months to talk to Martin and Gail again and follow the ups and downs of the story.
The actor was due to reprise his role as Martin Platt in October as part of his ex-wife Gail’s departure, but has now left the soap, with 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
‘It’s been a pleasure playing Martin from day one and in a way I’m now picking up where I left off, which will undoubtedly throw a spanner in the works for the Platt family.
“It’s like pulling an old, comfy sweater out 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. He made one final visit to Weatherfield before leaving to make peace with David, who was angry that his father was leaving the country.
According to The sunGail was all set to give her relationship a happy ending, rekindle her romance with Martin and sail off into the sunset.
A source said The sun: ‘Several options were considered for Gail’s departure from the cobbles, but bosses knew this had to be a moment to celebrate one of Corrie’s most iconic characters and to honour Helen’s astonishing run in the soap.’
‘It just didn’t feel right to kill her off or to put Gail through any 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 farewell after 50 years on the cobbles
Sean left Corrie earlier in 2005 to pursue a career in cheesemaking, and the news of his return was met with much fanfare
‘Martin was always seen as the one who got away and bosses are glad they were able to persuade Sean to wave Gail goodbye.’
The source also indicated that viewers can expect “lots of twists and turns,” but the writers want Gail’s story to end with a happy ending.
This happened after Helen gave up her role on the cobbles, after having played this role successfully for 50 years from 1974.
The news left fans in the UK shocked, with some taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to speculate about how her character’s story would end.
ITV confirmed she will begin filming her exit story next month, with the “emotional” scenes set to hit screens later this year.
Helen said of her departure: ‘This year felt like the perfect time to leave the show, after celebrating 50 years in the most beautiful job on the most beautiful street in the world.’
Gail was all set for a happy ending, rekindling her romance with Martin and sailing off into the sunset, but her exit storyline is now being hastily rewritten
“I made the decision early this year and spoke to the producers, who were very kind and understanding.”
“I feel 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.”
‘The last 50 years have flown by and I don’t think the fact that I’m leaving has fully sunk in yet.’
Fortunately, Helen hasn’t had a dramatic life like her character, once admitting that she would “end up in a mental institution” if her life were anything like Gail’s.
She added: ‘I come home and see friends and go to the theatre. Luckily I find it quite easy to switch off – I’d have a nervous breakdown if I didn’t.’
