Coronation Street star makes emotional exit after 15 years on ITV soap (2024)

Corrie: Simon Barlow says his goodbye as he leaves Weatherfield

Emotions were at an all-time high in Coronation Street on Monday evening. It comes as Simon Barlow (played by Alex Bain) recently decided to leave Weatherfield.

Since his dad Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) left the cobbles at the end of last year, ITV fans have seen Simon struggle to cope. However, he made the choice to go and join him working on a yacht.

Although his abrupt exit came as a shock to mum Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) who had been away on a retreat with the Institution. Initially furious that her son was about to leave before saying goodbye, the family decided to have a farewell drink at the Bistro, although Simon revealed he was now teetotal.

As Leanne apologised for not being around more, Simon replied: “It’s fine, I need to stand on my own two feet.” Also making amends for their turbulent relationship was Nick Tilsley (Ben Price).

Before Simon left the bistro, Nick said: “I know we’ve had our ups and downs, but you’re a great kid you know.” Leanne was clearly emotional at her son leaving as she embraced him in a huge hug admitting she didn’t want to let him go.

Coronation Street's Simon Barlow star bowed out of the soap after 15 years (Image: ITV)

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When everyone tried to go outside to see him off in his taxi, Leanne asked if it could just be her and Simon.

Although Nick and her sister Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor) didn’t listen and followed them outside.

Simon gave his mum one last goodbye before getting in a taxi and leaving for the airport.

Actor Alex Bain has played the role of Simon for the past 15 years, having joined when he was six years old.

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Leanne was emotional saying goodbye to her son (Image: ITV)

The soap star took to social media in April to confirm he’d filmed his final scenes, which played out on Monday night.

Sharing a snap from his dressing room, he wrote: “That's a wrap for Simon Barlow everyone! Thank you to all at Coronation Street for the best 15 years of my life!”

Adding a string of hearts, along with a face holding back tears emoji, the actor added: "PS: I'm gonna miss this coat seriously."

It’s unsure whether or not viewers will see Simon return to the cobbles as the 22-year-old details his plans for the future.

Alex Bain has spoken about his future away from the soap (Image: ITV)

He told The Sun that he hopes to finish his studies and make dancing his main priority.

Alex said: “I will always be a dancer and one day I would love to be a choreographer and teach dance and ultimately open my own dance and performance school.

"I am finally taking my ballet and modern intermediate exams that I should have done when I was 16. I need those qualifications to have a chance of teaching and doing choreography."

Coronation Street continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV from 8pm.

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