Coronation Street star Sean Wilson has suddenly departed 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 exit, but according to sources, his entire story has now been ditched.
According to The Sun, Sean’s exit came as a huge shock, with the cast unaware of the reason behind his departure.
A representative for the soap stated that the actor left ‘for personal reasons,’ and none of Sean’s scenes will be aired, with Gail’s entire exit storyline now being frantically rewritten by bosses.
Sean had returned to Corrie in July to film his first scenes, and had already recorded episodes with a large number of stars in the soap.
Coronation Street star Sean Wilson has suddenly departed 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 rocked everyone involved with Corrie. Sean was loving his time on the show, and he was very popular on set.
‘He had filmed scenes with loads of the cast, but then suddenly he was summoned to head office, and later it filtered out he wouldn’t be returning or his scenes airing, but no explanation offered.
‘Clearly it’s a major blow for bosses who must now find a new magical and happy ending for Helen – but they are confident they’ll pull it out of the bag, and give viewers something wonderful.’
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 be reprising his role as Martin Platt, as part of Gail’s exit after 50 years on the cobbles.
As Sean picked up his first scripts to start shooting, he said: ‘It was great to be invited back to Coronation Street again, to contribute to Helen’s exit story.
‘We’ll have a few months to catch up with Martin and Gail again, following the ebbs and flows of the unfolding storyline.
The actor was set 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 bosses citing ‘personal reasons’
Sean had returned to Corrie in July to film his first scenes, and had already recorded episodes with a large number of stars in the soap
‘Playing Martin has been a joy since day one and in a way, I’ll be slipping back to where I left off, which no doubt will throw a spanner into the heart of the Platt family.
‘It’s just like slipping on an old and comfortable jumper from the back of the wardrobe… I’m looking forward to reuniting 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 paid one final visit to Weatherfield before his departure to make his peace with David, who was upset that his dad was leaving the country.
According to The Sun, Gail was all set to have a happy ending after all, rekindling her romance with Martin and sailing off into the sunset.
A source told The Sun: ‘A number of options were considered for Gail’s departure from the cobbles but bosses knew the moment needed to truly celebrate one of Corrie’s most iconic characters as well as honour Helen’s astonishing run on the soap.’
‘It just didn’t sit right to kill her off or have Gail suffer more tragedy after, let’s face it, a pretty traumatic life.
In July, it was confirmed that Sean would be reprising his role as Martin Platt, as part of Gail’s exit after 50 years on the cobbles
Sean previously left Corrie in 2005 to pursue a career in cheesemaking, and news of his return was met with huge fanfare
‘Martin was always considered the one that got away and bosses are thrilled they’ve been able to tempt Sean back to wave Gail goodbye.’
The source also revealed viewers should expect to see ‘many twists and turns’ but the scriptwriters want Gail’s story to end with a happy ending.
It comes after Helen quit her role on the cobbles after successfully playing the character for 50 years from 1974.
The news devastated fans across the UK and some took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to speculate how her character’s storyline will end.
ITV confirmed that she will start filming her exit story next month and the ’emotional’ scenes will be on screen at the end of the year.
Sharing the news of her exit, 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.’
Gail was all set to have a happy ending after all, rekindling her romance with Martin and sailing off into the sunset, but her exit storyline is now being hastily rewritten
‘I made the decision at the start of the year and spoke to the producers who were very kind and understanding.’
‘I have been 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 past 50 years have flown by and I don’t think the fact that I am leaving has quite sunk in yet.’
Thankfully, Helen hasn’t had quite a dramatic life as her character, and once admitted she would ‘be in a mental institution’ if her life was 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 be a nervous wreck if I didn’t.’