A Coronation Street legend has shared that her friend and fellow Corrie actress Helen Worth is feeling ‘frightened’ ahead of her exit from the cobbles. Thelma Barlow, who played the character Mavis Wilton on the ITV soap for 26 years, was on Good Morning Britain on Monday (July 1) to speak to hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls.

The 95-year-old spoke to the presenters about coming out of her acting retirement to star in short film ‘Sleepless in Settle’. Whilst on the morning programme, she spoke about how her friend Helen came to watch the film at its premiere over the weekend.

Mavis then let slip actress Helen’s fears after her character Gail Platt is set to exit the cobbles. The actress, 73, is set to leave Weatherfield after a huge 50 years on the soap, with her final exit storyline set to be ’emotional’.

In a statement she said of her departure: “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 the world. I made the decision at the start of the year and spoke to the producers who were very kind and understanding.”

During her appearance on GMB, Thelma was quizzed about a comeback to Corrie. Host Ed Balls probed: “So many of our viewers loved you on that programme and I grew up with you. When I was a young lad I used to watch you twice a week. You were so warm and funny in a Mavis kind of way.

“I know you’ve said that you aren’t going to go back if they came along now and had a new role for you, but aren’t you just a little bit tempted for a little cameo role. Maybe with Gail leaving could you do a Gail moment?.”

Thelma then laughed before responding: “No I would be far too terrified. I think the pressure of work would frighten me to death.” Fellow GMB host Susanna then chimed in. “You say that though but the pressure of the film didn’t intimidate you and we’d love to have you back. Is there no way they could drag you back to Corrie?”.

Thelma then replied: “Never say no but I just would be too frightened. The pressure on me to get it absolutely perfect. It was fine doing the film with friends because you know they would forgive you immediately.”

Ed then suggested that Thelma’s character Mavin could ‘pop in’ for a leaving party for Gail, to which she responded: “Oh don’t keep on. Leave me,” she laughed.

Thelma then told the hosts: “There’s not many people who I knew that are in it now. Helen who plays Gail came down to see the film on Saturday which was lovely of her. It’s lovely to have your friends around you, that’s what I need now.”

Susanna then said: “Gail leaves of course after 50 years on Coronation Street. Did you have a discussion about what post cobbles life is like?.” Thelma then responded: “Yes there is another life after Coronation Street. Part of the reason I left was to do work back in the theatre.

“But Helen doesn’t, I think she would love to do some radio but she says she is too frightened to do other work. We do get very scared about doing work sometimes. You just don’t want to let people down, but if she wants to do radio I’m sure there will be lots there for her.”