Actress Helen Worth – who has been a fan favourite on the cobbles for almost 50 years – was awarded an MBE for services to drama at a ceremony at Windsor Castle

Coronation Street legend Helen Worth was all smiles as Prince William awarded her an MBE at Windsor Castle.

The actress – who has been playing Gail Platt on the cobbles since 1974 – was snapped beaming up at the royal as he bent to present her with her accolade, which she was awarded for services to drama.

She looked chic in a long black skirt and a tailored black jacket, with her chestnut waves held back with a glam matching hairband.

After the ceremony, Helen joked that she was “bringing up the rear” when it came to her Corrie co-stars as there were already a fair few honours among cast members.

The actress was honoured for services to drama

She told PA that the Prince had been “very complimentary” when he made her a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

“He was so lovely, so easy,” said the 72-year-old. “He asked all the right questions.”

Helen said it felt “absolutely wonderful” to be there being honoured.

She said: “To have had a job and one that I love, and to be able to work in it is quite extraordinary. And then to get an award for it is just the icing on the cake.“

Helen has been in Corrie for 49 years

William isn’t the only royal that Helen has met, as in 2021 she got to say hello to the late Queen when Her Majesty visited the Corrie set.

Helen was just 23 when she bagged her role in the ITV soap.

Since then, long-suffering Gail has had a string of failed marriages and has been at the centre of some juicy storylines, such as the Richard Hillman serial killer plot.

Helen said it felt wonderful

Helen once confessed that if she had been through as much as her Weatherfield alter ego in real life, she would probably „be in a mental institution“.