A cast member from the popular TV show Coronation Street passed away shortly after their debut on the show.

The character Sarah Platt was introduced in February 1987 as the daughter of Gail Platt (played by Helen Worth) and Brian Tilsley (played by Christopher Quinten).

Sarah has been involved in significant storylines on the ITV soap opera, including becoming a mother at a young age and facing dramatic events like being kidnapped with her family by her stepfather Richard Hillman.

Although Tina O’Brien is well-known for portraying Sarah, the role was initially played by newborn twins Leah and Lynsay King.

The twins were selected to play Sarah Platt after being born prematurely. It is reported that the show preferred identical twins for infant roles, making Leah and Lynsay the perfect choice.

Tragically, Leah passed away from cot death at six months old in May 1987. Cast members of Coronation Street, including Helen Worth, attended Leah’s funeral in Manchester.

After Leah’s death, Lynsay continued to portray Sarah until she left the show in 1999 at the age of 13. Tina O’Brien then took over the role when she was 16.

Lynsay revealed that she faced bullying at school due to her role on Coronation Street. In 2004, she expressed regret about leaving the show and wished to resume acting.

In 2004, Lynsay returned to film a documentary about child stars from Coronation Street.

During her visit, she coincidentally met Tina for the first time. They did not discuss their shared role as Sarah Platt.

Tina joined Coronation Street in 1999 and portrayed Sarah until 2007. She returned to the show in 2015 and has remained part of the cast since then.

In 2021, Tina reflected on her long tenure on the show, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and reminiscing about her early days on Coronation Street.

Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX

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