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

Coronation Street's Sarah Platt actress Tina O'Brien opened up about one exit storyline in the ITV soap which rocked her on-screen family.

Tina O'Brien, who portrays Sarah Platt in ITV's Coronation Street, first joined the soap at 16 in 1999.

This month marks her 25th anniversary on the cobbles, having made her debut as a teenager.

Over the years, she has been central to numerous gripping storylines, including an unexpected teenage pregnancy, online grooming, passionate affairs and devastating miscarriages.

She has also bid farewell to several loved ones, with her on-screen mother Gail Platt (played by Helen Worth) set to depart Weatherfield in the coming weeks.

However, it was just a year ago that viewers saw the Platt family say goodbye to one of their own when villainous Uncle Stephen Reid (Todd Boyce) met his untimely demise.

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.

"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."

Regrettably, another emotional farewell is imminent when the Platt's bid goodbye to Gail.

The exact date when the long-standing character will depart the show is still unknown, however, bosses have informed fans it'll be at the end of the year.

Given that Jesse Chadwick (John Thomson) has returned to the soap after 15 years, revealing a secret friendship with Gail, could he play a role in her departure?

Discussing her departure, Helen stated: "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."

Coronation Street continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV from 8pm.