In the latest instalment of Coronation Street, the iconic theme tune was changed to raise awareness for the British Heart Foundation, after the character suffered a heart attack.
In the most recent episode of Coronation Street, fans noted a change in the classic theme music at the end, implying a terrible destiny for Gail Platt (Helen Worth).
Earlier this week, viewers of the ITV drama watched the Platt matriarch have a passionate confrontation with her two children, David (Jack P. Shepherd) and Sarah (Tina O’Brien), before her new lover, Jesse (John Thomson), made an appearance.
Gail insisted on leaving so she could recover her composure, but the situation quickly escalated, with Gail holding her chest while Jesse called an ambulance. Despite her assurances to rescuers that she was well, Gail lost consciousness, was transported to the hospital, and died from a heart attack.
Since then, she has been recovering in the hospital and seems to be in good spirits. On Sunday night, Gail made the decision to enhance her relationship with Jesse by proposing marriage.
Gail’s elation at his acceptance was short-lived, as medical noises overlaid the customary theme song as the show ended. There was also a discernable pulse, which flatlined after a short while.
This was all part of a key message from the British Heart Foundation (BHF), who had collaborated with the serial. According to the Liverpool Echo, the revised closing credits were followed by a collaborative promo voiced by BHF ambassador and former Corrie star Kimberly Hart-Simpson.
The change to Coronation Street’s theme song intended to highlight the charity’s critical research into prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, which will help more people live longer, healthier lives.
Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan, Associate Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and consultant cardiologist, stated: “A heart attack may happen on any street, even Coronation Street. We’re honored to be a part of British television history by collaborating with ITV and Coronation Street to relay the vitally important message that heart attacks happen to women as well, and that funding the BHF’s research might save lives.”
She continued: “We hope the unexpected sound of a heart monitor flatlining at the end of Sunday’s episode captured people’s attention and served as a reminder that Gail’s exit from the show could have ended very differently.”
“Fortunately, thanks in part to critical medical research financed by the BHF, heart attack survival rates have improved considerably over the last 60 years. However, the task is not complete, and cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide.”
Dr. Babu-Narayan said, “With the wonderful support of individuals all around the UK, many of whom are Coronation Street fans, we can make what formerly looked like science fiction a reality. We must continue to finance innovative research to preserve and enhance even more lives, allowing individuals like Gail to spend more time with those they care about.
The character Gail’s catastrophic health crisis plot develops as actress Helen Worth announces her heartfelt departure from Coronation Street following a remarkable 50-year career.
This momentous news regarding Helen Worth’s decision to depart was announced earlier this year, with the acclaimed actress stating that now seemed like the right time to say goodbye.
In addressing the credit takeover, Simon Daglish, Deputy Managing Director, Commercial at ITV, took an unusual approach: “Just as Gail’s heart momentarily stopped, we want to arrest the famous Coronation Street theme tune to showcase the incredible work of the British Heart Foundation.”
He continued: “We’re very proud to be able to work with important charities and brands to help amplify their message in innovative and creative ways and help the BHF with their vital research.”
Please visit bhf.org.uk for more information about heart attacks or to make a donation to vital heart and circulatory disease research.
Coronation Street airs on ITV every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8 p.m.
