CORONATION Street cast and crew were left baffled after Sean Wilson was mysteriously called to a meeting at the ITV offices — and never returned to set.
They were then shocked to learn that the popular actor, 59 – who was reviving his role as Martin Platt for his ex Gail’s much-hyped coming-out story – had been given the boot.
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Sean Wilson has been axed from Coronation Street and his planned storylines will not be broadcast Credit: ITV
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The actor was set to reunite with Helen Worth for the much-anticipated departure of her character Gail PlattCredit: Handout
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Sean now makes a living making award winning cheese Credits: Rex Features
Bosses at the soap are refusing to offer any explanation, insisting only that Sean – who now makes a living making award-winning cheese – has “stepped down for personal reasons”.
They did not comment or specify who will replace him.
None of his scenes with Gail, played by Helen Worth, 73, will be shown, throwing the show into crisis as the actress’ departure after 50 years will now have to be hastily rewritten.
It’s also a huge blow to Helen, who is understood to have been thrilled with the decision to bring back her character’s ex-husband Martin.
READ MORE AT CORONATION STREET
Last night a source said: “It was a complete and utter shock to everyone – and his sudden departure has shaken everyone involved in Corrie.
“Sean loved his time on the show and was very popular on set.
“He was filming scenes with a lot of the cast, but then he was suddenly called to head office, and later it was revealed that he wouldn’t be coming back or that his scenes would be aired, but no explanation was offered.
“It’s clearly a huge blow for bosses who now have to find a new magical and happy ending for Helen – but they’re confident they’ll pull it out of the bag and give viewers something wonderful.”
Sean first appeared as Martin in Corrie back in 1985, and his character will embark on a turbulent relationship with Gail.
Coronation Street icon Helen Worth’s exit story REVEALED as the iconic character returns for her final scenes
The actor left the soap in 2005 before training as a chef — and went on to win awards with his Saddleworth Cheese Company.
He briefly reprized his role in 2018, saying goodbye to his family, including son David, before emigrating to New Zealand.
In May, Helen confirmed that she had signed her final contract as a six-way wedding to Gail and would be leaving the soap after half a century.
The Sun then revealed in July that Sean would be back again – with Martin riding Gail off into the sunset.
Despite their ten-year union ending when nurse Martin had an affair, it is considered the most successful of Gail’s multiple marriages.
Helen first appeared on the cobbles in 1974 as Gail Potter and became one of Britain’s most recognizable soap stars.
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Helen, 73, is leaving the soap after 50 years Credit: ITV
Only Corrien Steve McDonald, at seven, was married more times than Gail, who buried all her husbands except one – Martin.
Shortly after the murder of first husband Brian Tilsley in 1989, Gail began dating Martin.
They had David in 1990 before they got married.
Gail then forgave Martin for the affair in 1994, but his affair with fellow nurse Rebecca in 2000 ended their relationship.
Helen signed her final contract in January – taking her through the end of this year – and writers and producers immediately began plotting her exit story.
All options were considered – including killing her – before settling on a happy ending.
Coronation Street executive producer Iain MacLeod previously promised the exit storyline would be “brilliant”.
Sean loved his time on the show and was very popular on set
Source
He said: “Gail is not going to die.
“It didn’t seem right to kill her.
“Gail’s coming out is a brilliant story.
“I thought, ‘What do viewers want to see’? Gail had a hard life.
“She had a difficult childhood and several disastrous marriages.
“So we thought, what viewers really want is a happy ending for her, so that’s what we’re doing.”
Last night, a Coronation Street spokeswoman said: “Sean Wilson has pulled out of filming for personal reasons.”
Sean’s agent said the same, adding: “Neither he nor I will be making any further comments or statements.”
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Sean left the soap for ‘personal reasons’ and his agent declined to comment further Credit: Getty – Contributor
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Helen became one of the most recognizable soap stars on TVCredit: PA
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Sean first appeared on Coronation Street in 1988 and viewers have been eagerly awaiting his return Credit: Rex
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Happy couple Gail and Martin welcome their son David in 1990. Credits: Rex
Shock exits from Coronation Street 2024
Corrie said goodbye to several actors this year. Let’s clarify who left the famous soap opera:
Eliza Woodrow (Savannah Kunyo) said goodbye to Corrie to start a new life in Germany.
The girl moved in with her father Dom Everett, who returned on a £10,000 bribe offered by Eliza’s grandfather Stu to keep him out of her life.
Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) will quit the soap this summer when he loses his battle with motor neurone disease (MND) in tragic scenes.
After being diagnosed last year, the fan favorite was devastated to learn he only had a few months left to live.
Viewers know that he plans to take his own life to end his suffering.
Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) left the cobbles after being offered the chance of a lifetime to study in America.
Although she struggled to make a decision about her stepfather Paul’s impending death from MND, she was convinced that she had to live her life to the fullest.
Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) 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 has 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.
She looks set to head to Dublin after landing a lucrative new job, ditching a colleague and ditching Adam Barlow.
Show host Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw, is taking a break to star in the UK tour of Sister Act The Musical. She will return to recording in May after her tour dates are over.
Her character left the Street after her son Jason broke his back after falling off a moped in Asia.
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