In a celebration that beautifully blended personal joy with the rich tapestry of Coronation Street history, Jack P Shepherd, known for his compelling portrayal of David Platt since 2000, married his long-time partner Hanni Treweek in a picturesque ceremony at Manchester Cathedral this past July. The event was not just a personal milestone for the couple, but also a poignant gathering for the extended Corrie family, highlighting the deep bonds forged over decades on the iconic cobbles.

Jack, 37, and Hanni, 35, a former script editor for the ITV soap who has since ventured into fashion and lifestyle content creation, first crossed paths behind the scenes of the very show that defines much of Jack’s life. Their relationship, made public in 2017, blossomed, culminating in a magical engagement in June 2024. Shepherd proposed under the vast African sky during a once-in-a-lifetime safari trip to Tanzania, a moment the couple fondly shared as truly unforgettable.

The guest list for their special day read like a roll call of Weatherfield’s finest, underscoring the profound connections Jack has built. Among the cherished attendees were his on-screen sister, Tina O’Brien, who plays Sarah Platt, and his older brother, Ben Price, who portrays Nick Platt. However, it was Helen Worth, the legendary actress who embodied David’s mother, Gail Platt, for over five decades, who held a particularly moving role. Helen, whose emotional exit from the soap just last Christmas sent ripples through the fanbase, joined Ben Price in giving significant Bible readings during the ceremony. Jack poignantly reflected on the symmetry of their careers, noting, “I was 12 when I started, 25 years, it’s mad because I’ve done 25 and when I started, Helen had done 25!” This shared quarter-century commitment to the same show speaks volumes about their intertwined professional lives and the quasi-familial bond they developed.

Helen’s involvement added a deeply sentimental layer to the proceedings, marking one of her first public appearances since her departure from Coronation Street. Attending with her husband, Trevor Dawson, in a chic patterned blue dress, black heels, and her signature coiffed hairstyle, Helen beamed throughout the day, clearly delighted to celebrate with her long-standing on-screen son. Her presence was a comforting reminder of the enduring relationships that extend beyond the show’s scripts.

Gail Platt, Helen Worth’s iconic character, had recently made headlines herself with her dramatic seventh marriage during the festive season of late 2023, tying the knot with Jesse Chadwick, played by John Thomson – coincidentally the ex-husband of Gail’s long-standing rival, Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver). This final marital escapade for Gail encapsulated the very essence of a character whose life was perpetually intertwined with tumultuous relationships and family drama, making her one of the soap’s most beloved and relatable figures. Her exit, after 50 remarkable years, felt like the closing of a significant chapter for many viewers. Helen herself stated that “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,” a testament to her dedication and the show’s impact on her life.

Jack P Shepherd, who inherited the role of David Platt from Thomas Ormson, has grown up entirely on screen within the world of Coronation Street. From a troubled child grappling with his father Martin’s new relationship, to a rebellious teenager, and then a complex adult navigating harrowing storylines such as his abuse by Josh Tucker, his wife Kylie’s tragic murder, and his enduring relationship with Shona Ramsey, David has been at the epicentre of some of Corrie’s most intense and emotionally charged plots. His journey has mirrored the show’s evolution, constantly adapting to new challenges and remaining a fan favourite for over two decades due to Shepherd’s nuanced and powerful performances.

The Platt family, in many ways, serves as a microcosm of Coronation Street’s enduring appeal. Spearheaded by the matriarchal force of Gail, and later her children David, Sarah, and Nick, the family unit has provided countless hours of high drama, relatable struggles, and moments of tender affection. Gail’s multiple marriages and her unwavering devotion, albeit often misguided, to her children, provided a constant source of both humour and heartbreak. Her clashes with Audrey Roberts, her mother, and her often strained relationships with her children’s various partners, have been cornerstones of the show’s narrative fabric. She was the character who could always be counted on for an exasperated sigh or a dramatic pronouncement, usually while clutching a cup of tea. Her departure leaves a significant void, but as Jack reflected, the show, in its inimitable way, always finds a path forward. “What’s it like with her not on the set? It just moves on. Big characters have been in and gone, and the show still carries on,” he noted. “The Platts is such a great family and I’m lucky to be in that clan!”

Indeed, the strength of Coronation Street lies in its ability to regenerate and evolve, even as beloved characters and actors move on. The “Platt clan,” despite Gail’s absence, continues to be a central pillar of the show, with David, Sarah, and Nick carrying forward the legacy of drama and familial loyalty. David, in particular, has matured into a character of immense depth, often bearing the weight of the family’s misfortunes and personal demons, yet always remaining fiercely protective of his loved ones. His current storylines continue to explore themes of resilience, fatherhood, and his ongoing search for stability amidst the chaos that seems to follow the Platts.

The involvement of Helen Worth in Jack P Shepherd’s wedding serves as a beautiful illustration of the unique bond shared by actors who spend such a significant portion of their lives together, not just as colleagues but as an on-screen family. It’s a testament to the fact that while storylines unfold and characters depart, the human connections forged in the crucible of long-running television productions often transcend the boundaries of the set. Jack’s wedding was not just a personal celebration, but a quiet reaffirmation of the enduring family that Coronation Street fosters, both on and off the screen, and the indelible mark left by its most iconic residents. It highlights that while the show moves on, the rich history and deep relationships remain a cherished part of its ever-unfolding narrative.