Corrie icon ‘incredibly emotional’ as he confirms soap exit after 16 years

Coronation Street’s star Alex Bain, known for his character Simon Barlow, has admitted he will “miss” playing the role.

The 22-year-old has been a fixture on the iconic ITV cobbles as Simon for over 16 years and despite parting ways with his character, he’s thrilled that Simon is heading off into the sunset with a “happy ending”.

Simon, who was first seen as a character in 2003, is set to sail away alongside his father Peter Barlow, portrayed by Chris Gascoyne, following a turbulent journey of overcoming alcohol abuse.

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In an interview courtesy of ITV, when quizzed about his feelings towards leaving his character behind, he expressed: “Yes, I am [going to miss Simon], because we have spent so much time together over the past 16 years. We are like two sides of the same coin, in a way.

Corrie

Simon is planning to join his dad Peter on a yacht

“I am so pleased that he has a happy ending, that he is literally sailing off into the sunset with his dad and there is hope for his future.”

Alex emphasised: “I don’t have to grieve for him as he hasn’t been killed off. He hasn’t gone to prison.

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“I can just imagine him having a great time with his dad, the two of them drinking orange juice on the boat in the middle of nowhere. I imagine their relationship is the best it has ever been.”

Corrie's Alex Bain has said he is going to miss playing Simon Barlow

Corrie’s Alex Bain has said he is going to miss playing Simon Barlow (Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)

The young actor confessed it was “incredibly emotional” shooting his final scene but shared that his parents were there to be part of this profound moment.

Reflecting on his last day, he stated: “It was incredibly emotional, which is understandable as it has been a huge part of my life. We filmed out of order, so my last scene that I filmed wasn’t Simon’s last scene in the show, but he was in Roy’s Rolls saying goodbye to Carla.

Alex Bain has played Simon Barlow since 2008

Alex Bain has played Simon Barlow since 2008

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