Coronation Street buffs were gobsmacked when they realised the actual age difference

between telly icons Gail Platt and her beau Jesse Chadwick. Jesse, played by John Thomson,

first swanned into viewers’ lives back in December 2008. He became a regular

on the cobbles in 2009, wooing none other than Corrie legend Eileen Grimshaw, portrayed by Sue Cleaver.

2010 saw Jesse bidding adieu to Weatherfield’s drama, but this week has seen him return, throwing some residents into a frenzy. Jesse is back as part of soap legend Gail Platts (played by Helen Worth) big departure plot.

Corrie queen Helen is waving goodbye to the soap after an epic run of half a century. In Wednesday’s helping of soap drama (October 9), Jesse popped back up with hopes of rekindling his former flame with our Gail.

And it seems like the two lovebirds shared more than just sunshine on their Thai getaway as it was revealed that they’ve got a bit of a romantic history. Jesse’s surprise revisit was prompted by Gails granddaughter Bethany (acted by Lucy Fallon) having a rough time from a botched lipo job abroad, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Fans will recall Bethanys cosmetic surgery turning sour. Gail, being the trooper she is, had to front the cash for surgery-stricken Bethanys return flight from Turkey, even putting her house on the line to cover the cost.

But, cheeky romance aside, fans have been busy bees only now realising the age gap reality between Helen and John. Spotted on a devoted Corrie fan Facebook page, one nosey parker asked: “Just wondering what’s the age difference between Jesse and Gail.”

Fans were in total shock with one commenter posting: “In real life, Gail is 73. Jesse is 55. So 18 years difference.” Another follower couldn’t hide their astonishment, sharing: “Wow I can’t believe that.” Then another jumped in adding: “No way is she 73.” Not to be left out, another fan hit the thread with the mind-blown emoji.

On the topic of Jesse’s latest antics, actor John spilled the beans: “Jesse met Gail in Thailand. He’s heard about Bethany and he’s very worried. So on his travels he’s returned via Weatherfield to check on Gail, because they’ve stayed in touch via email. He’s heard all about Bethany and he’s very concerned for Gail.”

Then, when prodded about how the Platts are taking Jesses unexpected drop-in, John cheekily responded: “So two like him and two hate him! Shona and Nick are prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt, whereas David and Sarah are absolutely not it’s just total mistrust from the start.”