Coronation Street fans have picked up on a small but telling habit that David Platt has carried for years. It is something that always stands out in scenes with his mum and often leaves viewers doing a double take. While most characters slip naturally into family roles, David’s choice of words has never felt casual. And once you notice it, you start wondering why it has stayed that way for so long.
A Habit Fans Have Always Questioned
In Coronation Street, David Platt regularly calls his mum Gail Platt by her first name instead of “mum.” It is something fans have noticed for years, especially given how close-knit and chaotic the Platt family usually is. David and Gail’s relationship has always been rocky. Over the years, they have clashed more times than viewers can count, with rows that quickly spiralled into full-blown family dramas.
During David’s teenage years, his behaviour caused Gail endless stress and heartache, setting the tone for a difficult bond. Things reached an extreme point when David pushed Gail down the stairs during a furious argument. That moment shocked viewers and highlighted just how strained their relationship had become, making his refusal to call her “mum” feel even more loaded.
The Past That Changed How David Sees Gail
Fans have long linked David’s choice to call Gail by her name to a painful discovery from his past. David later learned that Gail had once considered aborting him, a revelation that clearly stayed with him and affected how he viewed their relationship. Over time, viewers began to believe this was the real reason behind the name choice. Many fans felt David started using Gail’s first name after finding out the truth, seeing it as his way of putting emotional distance between them rather than openly lashing out.
This dynamic continued right up to Gail’s exit from Weatherfield. Last year, she left the cobbles after an incredible 50 years on the show, with her final scenes airing on Christmas Day. She married Jesse Chadwick for the seventh time, played by John Thompson, before the couple headed off to France for a fresh start. Before leaving, Gail shared emotional goodbyes with her children Nick, Sarah, and David, as well as her mother Audrey.
The question fans kept asking was eventually put to Jack P. Shepherd, who plays David. During a Q&A on X, formerly Twitter, Jack explained that David calls Gail by her first name when he does not respect her, confirming that it is a deliberate part of the character. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for all the latest Coronation Street gossip.