NEW GIRL Coronation Street fans demand bosses reveal identity of secret Platt sister before Gail leaves forever

The addition would explore a new branch of an established family

CORONATION Street viewers have demanded the soap bring back an obscure member of a legendary family – before a show icon leaves forever.

Fans were shocked and heartbroken earlier this month when actress Helen Worth announced her departure from Corrie after five decades.

Helen, 73, joined the cast of the ITV soap as Gail Potter in 1974, although the character has changed surnames quite a few times.

Throughout the character’s stint, she has been married to Brian Tilsley, Martin Platt, Richard Hillman, Joe McIntyre and Michael Rodwell.

Ardent followers, however, are calling for a little-known character to step foot on the cobbles, despite never having seen them on-screen.

Taking to Reddit, a viewer suggested that Charlotte Platt should be brought into the cobbles as the character has never been glimpsed on-screen.

The character is the daughter of Martin Platt and therefore the half-sister of David Platt, who has been played by Jack P. Shepherd since 2000.

Discussing Charlotte, they wrote: “I think they should introduce her.

“If you don’t know, she’s Martin’s daughter with Robyn. We’ve never seen her onscreen.

“I think it would be good to have David’s sister on the show, she was born in 2006 so would be 19 now.

“I’m sure Sarah would consider her a sibling, not sure about Nick though.”

However, fellow fans were left divided by the idea, as one replied: “Probably not, the show like making David feel alienated as possible, I mean every male friend he’s had has left him.”

Another added: “Why use an established character when you can just retcon a child that’s never been mentioned before? It’s all the rage at the moment.”

A third person, while not opposing the idea, added in bringing back another long-absent character: “And Joshua Peacock. Watching classic Corrie the last few days I realised how much Fred and Ashley brought to the show. Seeing Josh would be a nice link.”

Meanwhile, a fourth wasn’t too keen on the idea of Charlotte.

Sharing their prediction that Charlotte could be a rival to Bethany or Max, the fan wrote: “She’ll hardly be an easy-going drama-free character) teen/early 20-something….”

Aside from his daughter Lily, all of David’s blood relatives currently in the show are from his maternal side.

This includes Gail, his grandmother Audrey (Sue Nicholls), half-sister Sarah (Tina O’Brien), half-brother Nick (Ben Price) and niece Bethany (Lucy Fallon).

David’s own family includes wife Shona (Julia Goulding), adopted son Max (Paddy Bever) and daughter Lily Platt (Brooke Malonie).