Helen Worth has signed a new one-year deal with Coronation Street to remain on the cobbles as Gail Platt.
The iconic character made her debut in July 1974 - 50 years ago next month - and has racked up just over 4,450 episode appearances to date.
That figure is only several hundred shy of the record held by Bill Roache, who has amassed just over 4,770 episodes playing Ken Barlow - starting with the first ever episode in 1960.
With Roache now 92 years old and Worth aged 73, it is almost certain that she will overtake his appearance record at some point in the future, with the potential to even eclipse his tenure depending on if and when she decides to leave the show.
A source told The Sun: "Coronation Street has some of the longest-serving stars across all of TV but Bill's record was always thought to be untouchable.
"Helen's deal means she's within touching distance. It's her involvement in so many big storylines that gives her such an appearance rate."
Coronation Street continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Neil Wilkes
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