GAIL Platt has left Coronation Street for the final time with a new husband and a new surname in an emotional Christmas Day episode.

The cobbles icon – who is played by actress Helen Worth in the ITV soap – bid farewell to her friends and family for a new life in the South

of France after tying the knot with new husband Jesse Chadwick.

Actress Helen announced she was quitting the soap after 50 years on the show and today her final episode was released.

And there were some stand-out moments along the way.

In an emotional scene with daughter Sarah, Gail told her: “I know you’re the backbone.

“I know there’s lots you don’t tell me because you want to protect me. Don’t feel you have to carry them just because you’re the only daughter.

“Look after yourself. Choose happiness. You know you’ve alway been my favourite.”

And she reunited with her mum Audrey in a tearful moment before the wedding, with Audrey telling her she had to go and live her new life.

“If anyone deserves that villa sweetheart, it’s you,” Audrey told her.

And despite Nick being arrested before the ceremony, courtesy of Leanne’s scheming, he made it back just in time to hear Gail’s heartfelt promise to Jessie.

She told him: “I will adore you until the day I die.”

David disappeared from the festivities to get Adam Barlow drunk, trick him into falling down the stairs and then get confirmation that wife Shona cheated on him.

He took her back to the house to have it out with her, but she wouldn’t tell him who she cheated on him with.

Shona told him that their marriage is dead just in time for Gail to arrive and find the couple at each other’s throat.

Sitting down with her son, Gail told David: “Be kind to Shona and to yourself.

“You’ve got a big mouth, but you’re a sensitive soul. You know you’ve always been my favourite, don’t you? I’m proud of you.”

Back at the reception, a Battersby family punch-up saw half the decorations destroyed – and a killer secret revealed courtesy of Leanne setting up a worrying future for Toyah.

And outside Daniel proposed to Bethany with a mis-sized ring, and then speeches happened before Gail found herself sitting alone in the Bistro watching a video montage.

Back at the house as her entire family gathered to ay goodbye with Gail telling Nick he was always her favourite.

Gail told them all: “Now I know that you’re all where you’re meant to be, my work is done.”

As Sally sobbed and said: “It’s not goodbye is it Gail?”

Gail told her: “No Sal, it’s au revoir.”

She then turned to Jessie and christened her new surname, which she was credited as for the final time, and said: “Ready as I’ll ever be Mr Chadwick.”

And with that she left Weatherfield for good with her seventh – though probably not last – surname.