A member of the Coronation Street family has been recast in a huge shakeup for the soap.

The character has been part of the ITV show for eight years, but will now be taken on by a new actor. Harry Platt, who is the son of Sarah Barlow, will now be played by Carter-J Murphy. He will play the part of actress Tina O'Brien's child, having taken on the role from twins Freddie and Isaac Rhodes.

The pair have been playing the role of Harry since 2017. Harry was born in 2016 following Sarah's fling with baddie Callum Logan, played by Sean Ward. Carter has already had a taste of the big screen thanks to landing the role of a young Robbie Williams in his upcoming movie Better Man.

Speaking to press about Carter joining the soap, Jack P Shepherd said: "They've just recast the lad who plays Harry. Carter is very, very confident." He will make his on-screen debut this week. The soap is set to be rocked by a huge departure as Helen Worth steps away from her role as Gail Platt after 50 years.

Carter J Murphy will play Harry Platt (
Image:
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
He is Sarah Barlow's son

Her final scenes will air on Christmas Day, which have already been filmed. Speaking of her decision to bow out, Helen said: "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 theworld.

"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."

Helen's co-stars have been equally devastated by the news as Julia Goulding, who plays Shona Platt, recently shared her "emotional" reaction. Julia told The Mirror it was "horrendous" to say farewell to the soap icon. She told us: "It was horrendous and emotional on so many levels. From my point of view, personally, I’ve not only worked with Helen for eight years but I’ve watched her since I can remember.

"Gail has been part of my life since I started watching Corrie. The last eight years getting to know Helen as a person as well. It was incredibly emotional, but off you go Helen... enjoy!" Julia also teased Shona could struggle on the street without Gail around, amid new drama unfolding between Shona and husband David Platt. She said: "Gail has been a constant for Shona for sure, I think she’s feeling nervous. With Gail gone, it could expose a lot more goings on within the family. And yeah she’s her support network, she’s always been on her side which is odd for a daughter-in-law."

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