ITV Coronation Street's Sarah Platt star admits exit scenes were 'really hard' to watch

Coronation Street's Tina O'Brien has been a part of the ITV soap for 25 years and has been at the centre of gripping storylines throughout her time on the cobbles.

Tina O'Brien, known for her role as Sarah Platt in Coronation Street, first joined the soap at the tender age of 16 back in 1999. This month marks a significant milestone for the actress, celebrating 25 years on the famous cobbles since her debut as a teenager.

Over the decades, she has been at the heart of many gripping storylines, including an unexpected teenage pregnancy, online grooming, passionate affairs and heartbreaking miscarriages. She has also said goodbye to several loved ones, with her on-screen mother Gail Platt (played by Helen Worth) set to leave Weatherfield in the coming weeks.

However, it was only last year that viewers saw the Platt family bid farewell to one of their own when villainous Uncle Stephen Reid (Todd Boyce) met his untimely end. Throughout 2023, audiences watched as the Canadian businessman embarked on a murderous rampage on the cobbles before attempting to escape when his crimes caught up with him.

Holding Jenny Connor (Sally Ann Matthews) captive, the residents looked on in terror, fearing for her safety. Yet, it was Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) who ultimately ran down Stephen to save Jenny, resulting in the killer's departure from the street in a body bag.

Last year, actress Tina O'Brien shared her feelings about those exit scenes and the experience of watching her on-screen grandmother Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) witness her son's death. When questioned if Sue had broken her heart, she responded: "She always does, I mean there was a scene on the street when she's crying at the end.", reports Plymouth Live.

"I found that really hard to watch, it was long filming and in the end, you're in a bit of a giddy mood. Then to see Sue, who is just such a professional and so amazing. Yeah, it's been really sad to see, it just goes to show that she's one of those people that can do it all."

"She can do the comedy but she can really really hit you in the chest when it comes to emotional stuff."

Another poignant departure is on the horizon as the Platts prepare to say farewell to Gail. While the precise date of the beloved character's exit has not been disclosed, showrunners have indicated it will happen towards the year's end.

With Jesse Chadwick (played by John Thomson) making a comeback to the soap after 15 years and unveiling a secret bond with Gail, speculation arises about his involvement in her storyline exit. Helen Worth, discussing her decision to leave, shared: "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."

"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."