The recent wedding of Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd to his long-time partner Hanni Treweek was a truly special occasion, not just for the couple but for the legion of fans who have watched Shepherd grow up on screen as the iconic David Platt. The beautiful ceremony, held in July at Manchester Cathedral, was a heartfelt celebration of love, interwoven with the deep bonds forged over decades on the cobbles. Among the cherished guests were many familiar faces from the ITV soap, none more significant than Helen Worth, who portrayed David’s formidable mother, Gail Platt, for an astounding five decades until her emotional exit last Christmas. Her presence, alongside Ben Price, who plays David’s older brother Nick, underscored the profound connection between the actors and their on-screen family.

Jack P Shepherd, 37, has been a central figure in Coronation Street since taking over the role of David Platt in 2000. For over two decades, viewers have witnessed David’s tumultuous journey from a mischievous, often troubled teenager to a complex adult grappling with fatherhood, grief, and immense personal struggles. His early years on the Street were defined by rebellion, a stark contrast to his seemingly placid exterior. Who could forget the chilling storyline involving serial killer Richard Hillman, David’s stepfather, whose reign of terror culminated in a dramatic car plunge into a canal? This traumatic event profoundly shaped young David, leaving an indelible mark of vulnerability and a simmering darkness that would surface repeatedly throughout his life. Later, the tragic death of his beloved wife, Kylie Platt, in his arms, was another watershed moment, showcasing Shepherd’s powerful dramatic range and cementing David as a character capable of immense love and profound sorrow. More recently, the sensitive and harrowing male rape storyline, depicting David’s struggle with the aftermath of his assault by Josh Tucker, earned widespread critical acclaim, highlighting Shepherd’s ability to tackle challenging social issues with nuance and authenticity. His subsequent battle with mental health and his journey to finding solace and stability with Shona Ramsey have further endeared him to audiences, who have truly watched him evolve from a boy into a man, right before their eyes.

Hanni Treweek, 35, first crossed paths with Jack behind the scenes at Coronation Street, where she worked as a script editor, a role that undoubtedly provided her with a unique insight into the world of Weatherfield and its inhabitants. Their relationship blossomed away from the cameras, becoming public in 2017. Their engagement itself was a storybook moment, with Shepherd proposing during a once-in-a-lifetime safari trip to Tanzania, a ‘magical’ proposal under the vast African sky. Their joint television interview following their wedding, marking their first public appearance as a married couple, offered a glimpse into their shared joy and the significant role the Coronation Street family played in their special day.

Jack candidly shared the emotional weight of having his on-screen family involved in the ceremony. “Helen gave a Bible reading, Ben gave a Bible reading. So we thought we’d get the actors up,” he explained, reflecting on the deep, personal connection. “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 poignant observation perfectly encapsulates the intertwined histories of Jack, Helen, and the show itself. For a quarter of a century, they have navigated personal and professional milestones side by side, their lives mirroring the enduring nature of their on-screen mother-son relationship.

Helen Worth, at 72, leaves an irreplaceable legacy on Coronation Street, having embodied the quintessential matriarch Gail Platt for half a century. Gail’s life was a masterclass in resilience, a veritable rollercoaster of romantic entanglements and familial strife. Her numerous marriages – from the ill-fated Brian Tilsley, through the turbulent Martin Platt, the manipulative Richard Hillman, the ill-fated Joe McIntyre, to the kind-hearted Michael Rodwell, and most recently, Jesse Chadwick – formed the backbone of countless dramatic storylines. Each relationship, often ending in heartbreak or tragedy, further cemented Gail’s status as a character perpetually searching for happiness, yet continuously beset by misfortune. Despite her woes, Gail remained the emotional anchor of the Platt family, always striving to hold her children and grandchildren together, even when her own life was in disarray. Helen Worth’s portrayal infused Gail with a unique blend of vulnerability, strength, and an often-understated wit, making her one of the most beloved and relatable figures in British soap opera history. Her presence on the Street was a comforting constant for generations of viewers, a testament to her extraordinary talent and dedication.

Helen’s participation in Jack and Hanni’s wedding held particular significance, marking her first public appearance since her character’s on-screen farewell in late 2023. Gail’s dramatic exit saw her finally find love again, tying the knot with Jesse Chadwick, the ex-husband of her long-time rival Eileen Grimshaw, during a memorable festive episode. Helen, radiating joy, attended the ceremony with her husband Trevor Dawson, her signature elegant style evident as she beamed throughout the day. Her involvement added a profound sentimental layer, bridging the gap between the fictional world of Weatherfield and the real-life milestones of its stars.

Reflecting on filming without Helen, Jack acknowledged the inevitable march of time that characterizes a show like Coronation Street. “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 mused. This pragmatic view speaks to the soap’s enduring strength, its ability to reinvent itself while retaining its core identity. Yet, he quickly added, “The Platts is such a great family and I’m lucky to be in that clan!” This sentiment underscores the irreplaceable void left by Helen Worth, even as the show adapts. The mother-son dynamic between David and Gail was central to the Platt family’s narrative, a constantly evolving relationship marked by fierce loyalty, explosive arguments, and unconditional love. Gail’s often overbearing but well-meaning attempts to guide David, and his often-rebellious responses, mirrored the complexities of real-life family relationships, making their bond all the more resonant. This on-screen connection undoubtedly fostered a deep, real-life mentorship and friendship between Jack and Helen, evident in her special role at his wedding.

Helen announced her decision to depart Coronation Street with grace and a deep sense of gratitude, stating that after 50 remarkable years, the timing felt right. “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,” she shared. Her departure closed a significant chapter in the show’s history, leaving a legacy of extraordinary storytelling and unforgettable performances. Jack P Shepherd’s wedding, with Helen Worth at its heart, serves as a beautiful testament to the enduring power of Coronation Street – not just as a television phenomenon, but as a crucible where genuine, lasting family bonds are forged, both on and off screen. The show continues, but the spirit of characters like Gail and the dedication of actors like Helen Worth will forever be etched into the fabric of the Street, proving that even as time moves on, some connections are truly timeless.