Sean Wilson explains how a police inquiry over a 1997 indecent assault allegation led to his sudden departure from the soap

Sean Wilson, a familiar face to Coronation Street fans, has finally revealed the reason behind his unexpected axing from the soap after being brought back for a highly anticipated return. The actor, best known for his portrayal of Martin Platt, was set to reprise his role as part of a major storyline involving the departure of long-time cast member Helen Worth, who plays his on-screen ex-wife, Gail.

Wilson had originally been due to return to Coronation Street in 2024, marking his first appearance since 2018. The announcement was made in July, with ITV revealing that Wilson’s return would coincide with Worth’s exit. However, after starting to film his scenes, Wilson’s return was abruptly halted, with the network citing “personal reasons” for the sudden pause. What followed was a shocking turn of events that would change the actor’s life.

In a recent interview, Wilson shared the difficult circumstances surrounding his departure. He revealed that the reason for his sudden removal from the show stemmed from a police inquiry into an allegation of indecent assault dating back to 1997. The actor, who was initially unaware of the complaint or the identity of the accuser, described the experience as “hellish” and devastating.

Wilson explained that he received an email from Coronation Street producers after just two weeks of filming. The message requested a meeting to discuss “a historical allegation of a sexual nature” that had been made against him. Wilson recalled the shock of receiving the email, which he said came “out of the blue” for both him and the soap bosses.

The actor went on to describe the emotional toll the situation took on him. He revealed that the allegation “ruined” his life in what he called “eight minutes,” explaining that it felt like his “whole world was blown apart” in an instant. Though Wilson has since been cleared of all allegations, with no further action taken by authorities, the experience has left a lasting impact.

Wilson had been scheduled to return for a 10-episode arc, but his return was cut short due to the inquiry. The actor’s absence from Coronation Street has left many fans puzzled, given that his role was integral to the storyline surrounding Gail’s departure from the show. Wilson’s sudden exit, especially following his return announcement, has raised questions about the internal workings of the production, as well as the handling of such sensitive matters.

The situation marks an extremely unusual and challenging chapter for Wilson, who had enjoyed a successful career on the long-running soap. His removal from the show has raised concerns about the ways in which allegations—whether proven or not—can impact the lives and careers of those involved.

Though the inquiry has now been concluded without further action, Wilson has expressed his hope for closure and the chance to rebuild his career. While he remains grateful for the support he has received from friends and colleagues, the actor’s sudden fall from grace has undeniably changed the course of his professional and personal life.