Coronation Street star Helen Worth has revealed that her character Gail McIntyre will play a major part in the soap's 50th anniversary episodes.

Unlucky-in-love Gail is about to be seen in a new high-profile storyline stemming from the death of husband Joe, played by Reece Dinsdale.

When Joe disappears during a holiday to the Lake District in next week's episodes, Gail assumes that he has gone through with a planned insurance scam and starts to cover for his disappearance in the hope that he will return. However, unbeknown to her, Joe has drowned after being knocked overboard on a boat.

Speaking to DS about the long-term impact of the plot, Worth explained: "The whole aftermath of my storyline is a big part of the anniversary. The one thing I can't believe is the amount of storylines I get. I keep thinking I'm going to be put out to grass and then they get Gail going again! It's all storylines for my screen family, though - they're a strong bunch."

Meanwhile, asked where things are heading for Gail's immediate future, she replied: "Downhill! I don't know everything yet, but it's becoming pretty clear where it's going. There's a lot more to come! There are so many interesting twists and turns and the way it's all revealed is great."

> Click here to read our full interview with Helen Worth