Real reason Alex Bain is ‘quitting ITV Coronation Street’ after 15 years as Simon Barlow
Coronation Street actor Alex Bain is reportedly walking away from his role as Simon Barlow, 15 years after joining the ITV soap and here's the reason why
Coronation Street’s Alex Bain is leaving the soap for one reason.
The actor first joined the ITV soap opera in 2008, playing a seven-year-old Simon Barlow, the son of Peter and Lucy, who tragically died following a battle with terminal cancer. Throughout his tenure on the show, Alex has been involved in several dramatic storylines including domestic abuse.
His character was the perpetrator while his on-screen mum, played by Leanne Battersby would be the victim. Although ITV are yet to comment on Alex’s exit, it’s claimed he’s leaving the show for one simple reason in order to focus on the future.
Alex Bain is said to be leaving Coronation Street next year
“Alex is sad to be leaving Coronation Street because it really is like a family — but he realises that the time is right to move on,” a source told The Sun before adding: “He’s very excited about the future and other opportunities.” The insider claimed that his final scenes will air in the summer of 2024 before he bows out.
Although his exit is somewhat cryptic, Alex has previously teased a new career path away from the Weatherfield-based soap and it’s far from what fans would expect. While many would assume he would throw himself into another acting role, Alex has his sights set on something more creative.
In June 2020, Alex, 22, launched the company Mjöllnir Productions Ltd, which according to Companies House, the company is registered under the nature of television programming and broadcasting activities. Currently, Alex is listed under his full name as the only person with significant control of the company.
Alex launched his own production company in June 2022 (
alexbainofficial/Instagram)
He has also hinted at a career in music (
alexbainofficial/Instagram)
Records also show that the company has zero employees while accounts for the year ending June 30, 2023, show that the actor has just £100 in his accounts, the same as in 2022. Alex has also teased his new career ventures on social media. When asked about his company, he told fans: “That will be happening over on my performance production page @mjollnirproductionsltd as soon as it’s safe to get underway creating again! Y’all are gonna have to wait until then but be prepared.”
But Alex also hinted at a career in dance and music. When asked about collaborating with Ella Hammill, he responded: “Don’t worry it’ll come soon @ella_hammill! Just wait till people see what music we can cook up between us! They won’t know what hit them! [sic]”
For his role as Simon, Alex walked away from the 2011 British Soap Awards with ‘Best Young Performance’.