Helen starred as the iconic Gail Platt in the award-winning long-running ITV soap Coronation Street — a role she has played from 1974 to 2024, marking an extraordinary 50-year tenure, where Gail’s storylines have included some of the most dramatic and memorable in UK television history.

In 2022 Helen was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to drama. In 2014 she accepted the British Soap Award for Outstanding Achievement.

On the screen, Helen’s career began early in television and film with appearances in series such as Doctor Who (1971: “Colony in Space”) and credits including The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) and The Strauss Family (1972).

Her theatre and radio background also underpin her screen presence, working in repertory and appearing with the BBC Radio Repertory Company prior to her soap breakthrough.

Alongside her acting career, Helen is deeply passionate about animal welfare and has actively supported numerous charities dedicated to rescuing and protecting wild animals from captivity.