Coronation Street legend Helen Worth has signed a new deal keeping Gail Platt on the cobbles for a further year.

The news means that the 72-year-old will mark an incredible 50 years on the soap next year, having made her debut in 1974.

Worth is the third-longest continually-serving member on Corrie, beaten by Bill Roache, who has infamously played Ken Barlow since the first ever episode in 1960, and Barbara Knox, who joined full time as Rita Tanner in 1972.

As per long-standing ITV policy, cast members on the soap are typically offered only 12-month contract extensions each year - even in the case of the most established stars.

Other actors to have recently agreed new deals include Roache, Michael Le Vell (Kevin), Sally Dynevor (Sally), Jack P Shepherd (David), Sue Cleaver (Eileen) and Tina O'Brien (Sarah).