Coronation Street’s Alex Bain has shared an emotional message to fans following his exit from the show.
Alex played Simon Barlow for a huge 15 years. In the episode broadcasted on June 3, Simon said goodbye to his life in Weatherfield to join dad Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) on his yacht.
‘I felt very positive about it, but I am 22 now and maybe it is time to see what the future holds’, Alex previously said, discussing his exit.
‘It isn’t just a job, you become part of a family and I will always have those people in my life. They aren’t just colleagues, they are friends. Obviously anybody leaving feels sad about saying goodbye to people but any sadness is a small part of it.’
‘That doesn’t take away the excitement and anticipation. With Chris going it felt like the obvious thing for Simon to follow his dad, Simon has been through so much and he was lost without his dad around.
‘Simon heading off on his adventures means I can have new ones of my own.’
Following Simon’s final scenes, the ITV Coronation Street X account shared a video of Alex.
On the cobbles, Alex said: ‘Hi guys, I just want to say a quick message from me and my character Simon to all the fans of Coronation Street. I just wanted to say that it’s been a fantastic experience – I’ve loved being here and I’ve loved being a part of the nation’s favourite street.
He added: ‘And I just wanted to say a big old thank you to everybody who’s supported me over the years and to all the people I’ve worked with. It’s been an honour and I will always cherish my time here on Coronation Street. Take care everyone.’
Of course, many of Alex co-stars shared tributes to him after his departure.
Jack Carroll, who arrived as Bobby Crawford last December, posted a picture on his Instagram of Alison King (Carla Connnor), Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby), Georgia Taylor (Toyah Battersby), Alex, Ben Price (Nick Tilsley) and himself on the Bistro set.
He wrote alongside: ‘Behind the scenes from Simon’s farewell this evening. What a lovely bunch. A pleasure working with Alex Bain goodbye and good luck pal!’.
Also among the people sharing the love for Alex was Jack James Ryan.
He portrayed Jacob Hay in the ITV soap, who arrived in 2021 in a storyline that saw him and Simon deal drugs.
Jack posted a wonderful picture of himself and Alex hugging and smiling to camera. In a sweet message, he said: ‘4 years ago I stepped on to those cobbles for the first time, absolutely bricking it and Alex Bain took me by the hand and said “I’ve got you brother”. 15 years as a resident on the country’s most famous street is no easy feat and you leave behind you a legacy’.
He continued: ‘There’s only one Simon Barlow. I love you brother, forever grateful for your love and friendship’.
Ending the message, Jack said:
‘Here’s to the next chapter’.
