SHAYNE Ward has paid tribute to Helen Worth ahead of her final ever Coronation Street scenes.

The actress – who has played Gail Platt for an incredible 50 years – will leave the cobbles for good over Christmas.

Ahead of her exit, former co-star Shayne Ward has paid tribute to Helen, 73.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun, the 40-year-old said: “It’s a huge loss because she’s phenomenal. And I was very, very blessed to have done lots of scenes with her. And I loved it. I absolutely loved it.”

Helen had been nominated for a BAFTA TV award for her moving monologue she delivered on air following Shayne’s character Aidan’s suicide.

The scene, which aired in 2018, left viewers at home in tears as Gail peered out her window, urging neighbours to look after each other and not suffer in silence.

Shayne continued: “When you’re in her presence as well, she’s so sweet on and off camera and a joy to watch on camera, especially in those scenes because you learn so much from her. So I know that she’ll be a huge loss.

“And I think it’s hitting a point, I guess, with Coronation Street as well of that generation that we’ve watched on screen for 20, 30 years. And, you know, it’s hard to see really because I’ve always known her to be on the show.

“And, you know, especially for the Platt family in general, like, you know, she’ll be hugely missed. And she’s such an iconic character to go. But she’s served the Cobbles very well and she’ll be missed.”

Meanwhile, Shayne also defended Coronation Street amid backlash from former stars and fans.

ITV viewers had taken aim at bosses and said the soap had “lost its way”.

Shayne said: “I hope in my heart that it will always be there. And that because it is such an iconic show that, you know, that the public will do their best to try and keep on the television.

“But just times are changing so much. You never quite know.”