Category: Inside Soap Awards

  • Letitia Dean, 56, wows with weight loss at Inside Soap Awards

    Letitia Dean, 56, wows with weight loss at Inside Soap Awards

    Letitia Dean looked in good spirits as she had a helping hand while outside the Inside Soap Awards on Monday night. 

    The EastEnders actress, 56, who has starred as Sharon Mitchell since the soap’s inception in 1985, continued to showcase her impressive weight loss as she slipped into a black slinky dress. 

    She looked incredible in the stylish ensemble which boasted an asymmetrical neckline and a tight fit.

    The soap star layered up from the cold with a pair of sheer black tights and added inches to her frame with black court heels. 

    To complete her ensemble, Letitia toted her essentials around in a black quilted handbag and sported a pair of orange-tinted shades. 

    Letitia Dean, 56, wows with weight loss at Inside Soap Awards

    EastEnders’ Letitia Dean looked in good spirits as she had a helping hand while outside the Inside Soap Awards on Monday night

    The EastEnders actress, 56, who has starred as Sharon Mitchell since the soap's inception in 1985, continued to showcase her weight loss as she slipped into a slinky dress

    Letitia pictured as character Sharon in 2020

    The EastEnders actress, 56, who has starred as Sharon Mitchell since the soap’s inception in 1985, continued to showcase her weight loss as she slipped into a slinky dress

    Letitia was all smiles as she departed the awards ceremony while holding hands with a pal.  

    The star beamed as she posed for several snaps with her co-stars on the red carpet after winning the Best Showstopper Award. 

    The Best Showstopper Award went to EastEnders for their Christmas Day instalment in which Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) killed Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), kicking off the ongoing murder conspiracy of ‘The Six’. 

    Letitia’s red carpet appearance comes after she showcased her impressive weight loss as she filmed dramatic wedding scenes earlier this month. 

    Over the last few years, Letitia has prioritised her health and well-being and has cut out one of her bad habits.

    While her total weight loss is undisclosed, the actress previously said she’d gone from 10st 4lbs to 8st 3lbs, dropping a reported four dress sizes in just four months.

    Letitia admitted she tried ‘faddy diets’ in the past which never worked but after ditching junk food she has now started to feel better.

    Speaking to Closer in 2007, the soap star said: ‘It was incredible. I found I had so much more energy than when I used to eat junk food.’

    She looked incredible in the stylish ensemble which boasted an asymmetrical neckline and a tight fit

    She looked incredible in the stylish ensemble which boasted an asymmetrical neckline and a tight fit

    The soap star layered up from the cold with a pair of sheer black tights and added inches to her frame with black court heels

    The soap star layered up from the cold with a pair of sheer black tights and added inches to her frame with black court heels

    Letitia's red carpet appearance comes after she showcased her impressive weight loss as she filmed dramatic wedding scenes earlier this month; Pictured 2022

    Over the last few years, Letitia has prioritised her health and well-being and has cut out one of her bad habits; Pictured 2021

    Letitia’s red carpet appearance comes after she showcased her impressive weight loss as she filmed dramatic wedding scenes earlier this month

    Now Letitia has made long-term changes and enjoys ‘grilled skinless chicken’ and ‘lots of greens’.

    She said: ‘The main reason I wanted to do something about my figure was that I was so sick of extreme dieting and my weight yo-yoing.

    ‘I just woke up one morning, and I’d had enough. For years and years – as long as I can remember – my weight had yo-yoed up and down. I’d go on fad diets like Atkins or I’d only eat eggs.’

    Letitia noted that she did ‘lose a stone in a couple of weeks on a yoyo diet’ but admitted it is not sustainable and she quickly slipped back into her old ways.

    Now, the BBC star revealed she sticks to a well-balanced diet, keeping to 1,300 calories a day, and compliments her healthy eating regime with exercises such as running and boxercise.

    According to the NHS website, the recommended calorie intake, generally speaking, is around 2,000 calories per day for women and 2,500 calories per day for men.

    It comes after Letitia hit out at online scammers for using her profile to sell weight loss pills.

    The star beamed as she posed for several snaps with her co-stars on the red carpet after winning the Best Showstopper Award; pictured L-R Kellie Bright, Letitia Dean, Diane Parish, Gillian Taylforth, Balvinder Sopal and Lacey Turner

    The star beamed as she posed for several snaps with her co-stars on the red carpet after winning the Best Showstopper Award; pictured L-R Kellie Bright, Letitia Dean, Diane Parish, Gillian Taylforth, Balvinder Sopal and Lacey Turner

    A source close to Letitia told MailOnline: ‘It is complete nonsense for B+ Weight Management or any other weight loss brand to state that Letitia has given permission for her image to be used.

    ‘This advertisement and product have absolutely no relevance to Letitia whatsoever and she urges any potential customers to do their research before buying weight loss products, especially ones that claim to be using celebrity endorsements.’

    The adverts for the B+ Weight Management slimming pills are being pushed on Facebook and when interested parties click on a link, it sends them through to a fake interview with Letitia in which she claims the pills made her ‘lose five stone in two weeks.’

    It also stated that Letitia needed to lose weight or face surgery, plus wild claims that her BBC bosses were ‘furious’ about her new body shape.

    The scammers went as far to make up a fake interview Letitia made with ITV’s Good Morning Britain, despite the fact the soap star rarely speaks in public.

    Her EastEnders co-star Natalie Cassidy, who plays Sonia Fowler, warned fans during an Instagram live that Letitia’s involvement with the firm wasn’t true, and rejected claims her own weight loss was down to the pills.

  • Letitia Dean stuns in black dress at Inside Soap Awards

    Letitia Dean stuns in black dress at Inside Soap Awards

    Letitia Dean cut a chic figure in a slinky black dress on Monday as she arrived at the Inside Soap Awards in London. 

    The actress, 56, who is best known for her portrayal of Sharon Watts in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, looked incredible in the stylish ensemble which boasted an asymmetrical neckline and a tight fit. 

    She layered up from the cold with a pair of sheer black tights and added inches to her frame with black court heels. 

    To complete her ensemble, Letitia toted her essentials around in a black quilted handbag and sported a pair of orange-tinted shades. 

    The star beamed as she posed for several snaps with her co-stars on the red carpet after winning the Best Showstopper Award. 

    Letitia Dean stuns in black dress at Inside Soap Awards

    Letitia Dean cut a chic figure in a slinky black dress on Monday as she arrived at the Inside Soap Awards in London

    The actress, 56, has played Sharon Watts in the BBC soap opera EastEnders since 1985, and last year she became part of the acclaimed Six storyline

    The actress, 56, has played Sharon Watts in the BBC soap opera EastEnders since 1985, and last year she became part of the acclaimed Six storyline 

    Letitia looked incredible in the stylish ensemble which boasted an asymmetrical neckline and a tight fit

    Letitia looked incredible in the stylish ensemble which boasted an asymmetrical neckline and a tight fit

    The Best Showstopper Award went to EastEnders for their Christmas Day instalment in which Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) killed Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), kicking off the ongoing murder conspiracy of ‘The Six’. 

    Letitia’s red carpet appearance comes after she showcased her impressive weight loss as she filmed dramatic wedding scenes earlier this month. 

    Over the last few years, Letitia has prioritised her health and well-being and has cut out one of her bad habits.

    While her total weight loss is undisclosed, the actress previously said she’d gone from 10st 4lbs to 8st 3lbs, dropping a reported four dress sizes in just four months.

    Letitia admitted she tried ‘faddy diets’ in the past which never worked but after ditching junk food she has now started to feel better.

    Speaking to Closer in 2007, the soap star said: ‘It was incredible. I found I had so much more energy than when I used to eat junk food.’

    Now Letitia has made long-term changes and enjoys ‘grilled skinless chicken’ and ‘lots of greens’.

    She said: ‘The main reason I wanted to do something about my figure was that I was so sick of extreme dieting and my weight yo-yoing.

    She layered up from the cold with a pair of sheer black tights and added inches to her frame with black court heels

    She layered up from the cold with a pair of sheer black tights and added inches to her frame with black court heels

    To complete her ensemble, Letitia toted her essentials around in a black quilted handbag and sported a pair of orange-tinted shades

    To complete her ensemble, Letitia toted her essentials around in a black quilted handbag and sported a pair of orange-tinted shades

    ‘I just woke up one morning, and I’d had enough. For years and years – as long as I can remember – my weight had yo-yoed up and down. I’d go on fad diets like Atkins or I’d only eat eggs.’

    Letitia noted that she did ‘lose a stone in a couple of weeks on a yoyo diet’ but admitted it is not sustainable and she quickly slipped back into her old ways.

    Now, the BBC star revealed she sticks to a well-balanced diet, keeping to 1,300 calories a day, and compliments her healthy eating regime with exercises such as running and boxercise.

    According to the NHS website, the recommended calorie intake, generally speaking, is around 2,000 calories per day for women and 2,500 calories per day for men. It comes after Letitia hit out at online scammers for using her profile to sell weight loss pills.

    A source close to Letitia told MailOnline: ‘It is complete nonsense for B+ Weight Management or any other weight loss brand to state that Letitia has given permission for her image to be used.’

    The star beamed as she posed for several snaps with her co-stars on the red carpet after winning the Best Showstopper Award (pictured Kellie Bright, Letitia, Diane Parish, Gillian Taylforth, Balvinder Sopal, and Lacey Turner)

    The star beamed as she posed for several snaps with her co-stars on the red carpet after winning the Best Showstopper Award (pictured Kellie Bright, Letitia, Diane Parish, Gillian Taylforth, Balvinder Sopal, and Lacey Turner)

    Best Showstopper ¿ awarded to a showcase episode ¿ went to EastEnders for their Christmas Day instalment in which Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) killed Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), kicking off the on-going murder conspiracy of 'The Six'

    Best Showstopper – awarded to a showcase episode – went to EastEnders for their Christmas Day instalment in which Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) killed Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), kicking off the on-going murder conspiracy of ‘The Six’

    ‘This advertisement and product have absolutely no relevance to Letitia whatsoever and she urges any potential customers to do their research before buying weight loss products, especially ones that claim to be using celebrity endorsements.’

    The adverts for the B+ Weight Management slimming pills are being pushed on Facebook and when interested parties click on a link, it sends them through to a fake interview with Letitia in which she claims the pills made her ‘lose five stone in two weeks.’

    It also stated that Letitia needed to lose weight or face surgery, plus wild claims that her BBC bosses were ‘furious’ about her new body shape.

    The scammers went as far as to make up a fake interview Letitia made with ITV’s Good Morning Britain, despite the fact the soap star rarely speaks in public.

    Her EastEnders co-star Natalie Cassidy, who plays Sonia Fowler, warned fans during an Instagram live that Letitia’s involvement with the firm wasn’t true, and rejected claims her weight loss was down to the pills.

  • Lacey Turner Glows in Gold Dress at Inside Soap Awards After Pregnancy Announcement

    Lacey Turner Glows in Gold Dress at Inside Soap Awards After Pregnancy Announcement

    Lacey Turner cut a stylish figure in a shimmery gold dress on Monday as she attended the Inside Soap Awards in London after revealing she’s pregnant with her third child. 

    The actress, 36, who stars on EastEnders as feisty Stacey Slater, looked incredible in a shimmery gold dress as she graced the red carpet with her co-stars after winning the Best Showstopper Award. 

    The mother-of-two added inches to her frame with a pair of platform open-toe heels and further accessorised with a dainty gold-toned necklace.

    Lacey styled her brunette tresses in loose curls for the evening as she showcased her natural beauty with minimal makeup. 

    The Best Showstopper Award went to EastEnders for their Christmas Day instalment in which Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) killed Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), kicking off the ongoing murder conspiracy of ‘The Six’. 

    Lacey Turner Glows in Gold Dress at Inside Soap Awards After Pregnancy Announcement

    Lacey Turner cut a stylish figure in a shimmery gold dress on Monday as she attended the Inside Soap Awards after revealing she’s pregnant with her third child (pictured Kellie Bright, Letitia Dean, Diane Parish, Gillian Taylforth, Balvinder Sopal, and Lacey)

    The actress, 36, has played feisty Stacey Slater on EastEnders since 2004, and last year took centre stage as part of the acclaimed Six storyline

    The actress, 36, has played feisty Stacey Slater on EastEnders since 2004, and last year took centre stage as part of the acclaimed Six storyline

    The mother-of-two looked incredible in the stylish ensemble as she graced the red carpet with her co-stars after winning the Best Showstopper Award

    The mother-of-two looked incredible in the stylish ensemble as she graced the red carpet with her co-stars after winning the Best Showstopper Award 

    Lacey’s red-carpet appearance comes after she took to Instagram on Monday to share with her followers that she and her husband Matt Kay are expecting their third child.

    Lacey shared a pair of snaps of herself and her husband Matt holding up an ultrasound of their unborn baby, alongside their two children Dusty, five, and Trilby, three. 

    Posing in front of a stunning beach sunset, she captioned the post: ‘Aren’t we lucky….. @thekayoskids.’

    Many of Lacey’s co-stars offered their congratulations in the comments, with Patsy Palmer writing: ‘Congratulations beautiful girl & family . Yes you are very lucky and a wonderful mum so lucky them too ❤️❤️love you and can’t wait for big hugs again soon ❤️❤️❤️❤️ .’

    Jacqueline Jossa wrote: ‘So special ! Congratulations angel all of you!! Beautiful x.’

    Louisa Lytton added: ‘Love you all so much,’ while James Bye, who plays Stacey’s on/off flame Martin Fowler, shared: ‘The best news… we can’t wait to meet baby. Love you guys.’ 

    Lacey and her husband Matt are teenage sweethearts, who met when she was just 15 at a pal’s house, before tying the knot in 2017.

    She welcomed her second child – a baby boy called Trilby Fox – with her husband Matt in February 2021. 

    Best Showstopper ¿ awarded to a showcase episode ¿ went to EastEnders for their Christmas Day instalment in which Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) killed Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), kicking off the on-going murder conspiracy of 'The Six'

    Best Showstopper – awarded to a showcase episode – went to EastEnders for their Christmas Day instalment in which Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) killed Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), kicking off the on-going murder conspiracy of ‘The Six’

    The soap star told OK! at the time: ‘Matt and I are so completely besotted with our early surprise and Dusty is so in love with her new baby brother! How lucky we all are.’ 

    The actress welcomed her daughter Dusty in July 2019, after announcing she was pregnant the previous February.

    Lacey previously talked about suffering two miscarriages before conceiving her daughter Dusty and said it was a ‘miracle’ to fall pregnant again so quickly. 

    Lacey admitted in 2020 it was ‘heartbreaking’ to lose her first babies at seven weeks pregnant, and revealed she had a scan ‘every week’ during her pregnancy with Dusty. 

    Lacey and Matt married in 2017 with a wild ceremony in Ibiza, with the partying continuing until 5am.

    Lacey's red-carpet appearance comes after she took to Instagram on Monday to share with her followers that she and her husband Matt Kay are expecting their third child

    Lacey’s red-carpet appearance comes after she took to Instagram on Monday to share with her followers that she and her husband Matt Kay are expecting their third child 

    She shared a pair of snaps of herself and her husband Matt holding up an ultrasound of their unborn baby, alongside their two children Dusty, five, and Trilby, three

    She shared a pair of snaps of herself and her husband Matt holding up an ultrasound of their unborn baby, alongside their two children Dusty, five, and Trilby, three

    Speaking to OK! magazine at the time, she revealed: ‘The whole day was amazing. And we felt so much love. It’s incredible; it’s something you’ve never felt before.’

    Over the past year, Lacey’s character has taken centre stage as part of EastEnders’ acclaimed The Six storyline, which saw Walford’s leading ladies – Stacey (Lacey), Suki (Balvinder Sopal), Linda (Kellie Bright), Sharon (Letitia Dean), Denise (Diane Parish) and Kathy (Gillian Taylforth) – battle to keep the truth about Keanu Taylor’s death under wraps. 

    Soap fans will know that Keanu (Danny Walters) was accidentally killed by Linda on Christmas Day as she leapt to the defence of Sharon who was being attacked by the mechanic.

    The ladies covered up the murder but Keanu’s body was later found, leading to months of anguish for the women as they attempted to cover their tracks – with them eventually framing Dean [Matt Di Angelo] for the murder. 

  • Coronation Street’s Alex Bain Bids Farewell as Simon Barlow

    Coronation Street’s Alex Bain Bids Farewell as Simon Barlow

    Alex Bain has shared a touching message to his fans as he said farewell to Coronation Street after 16 years. 

    The actor, 22, has played the role of Simon Barlow on the ITV soap since 2008, and twice scooped the award for Best Young Actor at the Inside Soap Awards.

    His final scenes aired on Monday, as he left the cobbles to go join his father Peter (Chris Gascoyne) abroad, after landing a job working beside him.

    Simon shared an emotional goodbye with his mum Leanne Battersby, before hopping into the back of a taxi to head to the airport.

    On Tuesday, Alex took to Coronation Street’s official Instagram account to share a behind-the-scenes snippet from his last episode, and a video message to his fans.

    Coronation Street’s Alex Bain Bids Farewell as Simon Barlow

    Alex Bain has shared a touching message to his fans as he said farewell to Coronation Street after 16 years

    The actor, 22, has played the role of Simon Barlow on the ITV soap since 2008, and twice scooped the award for Best Young Actor at the Inside Soap Awards (pictured last month)

    The actor, 22, has played the role of Simon Barlow on the ITV soap since 2008, and twice scooped the award for Best Young Actor at the Inside Soap Awards (pictured last month)

    His final scenes aired on Monday, as he left the cobbles to go join his father Peter (Chris Gascoyne) abroad, after landing a job working beside him (Peter pictured on soap in 2021)

    His final scenes aired on Monday, as he left the cobbles to go join his father Peter (Chris Gascoyne) abroad, after landing a job working beside him (Peter pictured on soap in 2021)

    Filming himself outside the iconic Rovers Return pub, he said: ‘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.

    ‘And I just wanted to say a big old thank you to everybody who supported me over the years, all the people I’ve worked with, and it’s been an honour and I will always cherish my time here on Coronation Street. Take care everyone.’

    The video was flooded by messages from his fellow castmates, who wished him luck in the future.

    His onscreen mum, Jane Danson, commented: ‘End of an era. Good luck Al …. Such special times.’

    While Kate Ford, who plays Simon’s aunt Tracy Barlow, shared a simple red heart emoji and Adam Hussain (Aadi Alahan) said: ‘All the best mate!’

    Elle Mulvaney, who stars as Simon’s cousin Amy Barlow penned:  ‘All the best’ while Jacob Hay actor Jack James Ryan wrote: ‘My brother always, love you x’.

    Many devoted Corrie fans also took to the comments to praise Alex and gush that they would miss seeing Simon in Weatherfield, voicing the hope that he could return.

    On Tuesday, Alex took to Coronation Street's official Instagram account to share a behind-the-scenes snippet from his last episode, and a video message to his fans

    On Tuesday, Alex took to Coronation Street’s official Instagram account to share a behind-the-scenes snippet from his last episode, and a video message to his fans

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    The video was flooded by messages from his fellow castmates, who wished him luck in the future, including his onscreen mum Jane Danson, who said it was the 'end of an era'

    The video was flooded by messages from his fellow castmates, who wished him luck in the future, including his onscreen mum Jane Danson, who said it was the ‘end of an era’

    They wrote: ‘To be in a show like this is for a year is an achievement in itself. To stay in for over 16 years it’s just point-blank impressive. Good luck on your future endeavours mate.’

    ‘I remember when he went on as a little boy. Gosh he’s grown ❤️;  Good Luck @alexbainofficial I can’t wait to see what you get up to’.

    ‘All the best for the future, I’m sure you’ll do well in the future. I’m glad they’ve not killed you off, so who knows you could return some years down the line. Onwards and upwards.’

    ‘Good luck with your future endeavours, you will be missed; I Love Simon it’s sad to say goodbye’.

    ‘Good luck with what ever you do next you played a great character as Simon he will be missed; Love that Simon gets a happy ending.’

    ‘So sad gosh I’m in tears, I saw this coming, I’ve loved watching you as a small kid when you’ve arrived in 2003 since day 1 to the cobbles & now turned into a lovely young boy, I’ll miss Simon, all the best hope you come back one day.

    Alex’s departure was first announced in December 2023, with it being reported that he was ‘very excited’ to move on from the ITV soap opera. 

    A source told The Sun last 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.

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    Many devoted Corrie fans also took to the comments to praise Alex and gush that they would miss seeing Simon in Weatherfield, voicing the hope that he could return

    Many devoted Corrie fans also took to the comments to praise Alex and gush that they would miss seeing Simon in Weatherfield, voicing the hope that he could return

    ‘He’s very excited about the future and other opportunities.’

    Alex has been involved in a number of controversial storylines while on the cobbles, including physical abusing his mother Leanne and dealing drugs.

    In real life, the actor became a dad at the age of 17, when his then-girlfriend Levi Selby gave birth to their daughter Lydia-Rose at 16 years old. 

    At the time, a source said: ‘They were over the moon at the birth of their baby girl and were really happy together. But they’ve been through a lot together and they’re both still so young.’

    Their relationship ended the following May, and the soap star met dancer Mollie Lockwood, 22, in 2019.

    Alex then revealed in December 2022 that he had popped the question to Mollie two months earlier.

    Speaking to OK! magazine, Alex gushed: ‘I can’t spend my life with anyone else.’

    Mollie explained why the couple kept the news secret for so long, saying: ‘We wanted to enjoy that special time together, just the two of us, for a while.’ 

    Alex's departure was first announced in December 2023, with it being reported that he was 'very excited' to move on from the ITV soap opera (pictured on soap with Elle last year)

    Alex’s departure was first announced in December 2023, with it being reported that he was ‘very excited’ to move on from the ITV soap opera (pictured on soap with Elle last year)

    The actor has played Simon since he was seven years old and has been involved in a number of controversial storylines while on the cobbles (pictured)

    The actor has played Simon since he was seven years old and has been involved in a number of controversial storylines while on the cobbles (pictured)

    Alex spoke of his nerves, saying: ‘I thought, ‘If I don’t do it now, I’ll keep getting more and more nervous!’ I was pretty certain she’d say yes, but I was still bricking it.’

    However, early 2023 it was reported that Alex had sadly split from his aspiring actress fiancée Mollie.

    The pair were said to have called it quits six months after getting engaged, and Alex wiped all trace of Mollie from his Instagram account at the time.

    An insider told The Sun: ‘They’re gutted the relationship didn’t work out, but they’re both so young it’s hard to make such a big commitment early on in their lives

    ‘Their mates have rallied around to support them and keep them busy. Simon is focused on the soap and getting stuck into storylines and his role.’

    In real life, the actor became a dad at the age of 17, when his then-girlfriend Levi Selby (pictured) gave birth to their daughter Lydia-Rose at 16, before they split the following May

    In real life, the actor became a dad at the age of 17, when his then-girlfriend Levi Selby (pictured) gave birth to their daughter Lydia-Rose at 16, before they split the following May

    He then announced his engagement to dancer Mollie Lockwood, 22, in December 2022, but the couple announced their split just six months later (pictured together)

    He then announced his engagement to dancer Mollie Lockwood, 22, in December 2022, but the couple announced their split just six months later (pictured together)

  • After 16 years of portraying Simon Barlow, Coronation Street actor Alex Bain confirms emotional departure from long-running ITV soap

    After 16 years of portraying Simon Barlow, Coronation Street actor Alex Bain confirms emotional departure from long-running ITV soap

    Coronation Street star Alex Bain is set to leave the ITV soap next week after 16 years of playing Simon Barlow.

    The character will exit the soap in emotional scenes, with viewers expected to see Simon be waved off as he departs Weatherfield for good.

    His departure, which was first announced in December 2023, will join his on-screen father Peter Barlow – who also left the soap – on his boat.

    After a troublesome few months for Simon, he will be sent on his way for a new start in the soap.

    In a first look ahead of his departure, spoilers show the moment Simon says his goodbyes in emotional scenes.

    After 16 years of portraying Simon Barlow, Coronation Street actor Alex Bain confirms emotional departure from long-running ITV soap

    Coronation Street star Alex Bain (left) is set to leave the ITV soap next week after 16 years of playing Simon Barlow (pictured with onscreen father Peter Barlow)

    The character will exit the soap in emotional scenes, with viewers expected to see Simon be waved off as he departs Weatherfield for good

    The character will exit the soap in emotional scenes, with viewers expected to see Simon be waved off as he departs Weatherfield for good

    Alex is said to be ‘very excited’ to move on from the ITV soap opera, when it was revealed last year.

    A source told The Sun last 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.

    ‘He’s very excited about the future and other opportunities.’

    Alex has been involved in a number of controversial storylines while on the Cobbles and won the British Soap Award for Best Young Actor in 2011 and scooped up another gong in 2014 at the Inside Soap Awards.

    In real life, the actor became a dad at the age of 17, when his then-girlfriend Levi Selby gave birth to their daughter Lydia-Rose at 16 years old. 

    At the time, a source said: ‘They were over the moon at the birth of their baby girl and were really happy together. But they’ve been through a lot together and they’re both still so young.’

    Their relationship ended the following May, and the soap star met dancer Mollie Lockwood, 22, in 2019.

    Alex then revealed in December 2022 that he had popped the question to Mollie two months earlier.

    His departure, which was first announced in December 2023, will join his on-screen father Peter Barlow - who also left the soap - on his boat

    His departure, which was first announced in December 2023, will join his on-screen father Peter Barlow – who also left the soap – on his boat

    After a troublesome few months for Simon, he will be sent on his way for a new start in the soap

    After a troublesome few months for Simon, he will be sent on his way for a new start in the soap

    In a first look ahead of his departure, spoilers show the moment Simon says his goodbyes in emotional scenes

    In a first look ahead of his departure, spoilers show the moment Simon says his goodbyes in emotional scenes

    The actor has played Simon Barlow since he was seven years old and is set to depart in an explosive storyline in the summer (pictured 2019)

    The actor has played Simon Barlow since he was seven years old and is set to depart in an explosive storyline in the summer (pictured 2019)

    It comes after Alex reportedly split from his fiancée Mollie Lockwood, 21, just six months after getting engaged

    It comes after Alex reportedly split from his fiancée Mollie Lockwood, 21, just six months after getting engaged

    Alex became a dad at 17, when his then-girlfriend Levi Selby (pictured) gave birth to their daughter Lydia-Rose at just 16 years old. The couple split in 2019

    Alex became a dad at 17, when his then-girlfriend Levi Selby (pictured) gave birth to their daughter Lydia-Rose at just 16 years old. The couple split in 2019

    Speaking to OK! magazine, Alex gushed: ‘I can’t spend my life with anyone else.’

    Mollie explained why the couple kept the news secret for so long, saying: ‘We wanted to enjoy that special time together, just the two of us, for a while.’ 

    Alex spoke of his nerves, saying: ‘I thought, ‘If I don’t do it now, I’ll keep getting more and more nervous!’ I was pretty certain she’d say yes, but I was still bricking it.’

    However, early 2023 it was reported that Alex had sadly split from his aspiring actress fiancée Mollie.

    The pair were said to have called it quits six months after getting engaged, and Alex wiped all trace of Mollie from his Instagram account at the time.

    An insider told The Sun: ‘They’re gutted the relationship didn’t work out, but they’re both so young it’s hard to make such a big commitment early on in their lives

    ‘Their mates have rallied around to support them and keep them busy. Simon is focused on the soap and getting stuck into storylines and his role.’

  • Beloved Coronation Street actor pleads with bosses to revive his character after 15 years on the show: ‘It’s been a heartfelt goodbye’

    Beloved Coronation Street actor pleads with bosses to revive his character after 15 years on the show: ‘It’s been a heartfelt goodbye’

    Coronation Street star Alex Bain is struggling to accept the end of his time on the soap as he ‘begged bosses’ to bring his character back, it has been reported.

    The actor, 22, who is known by many for playing Simon Barlow since 2008, has recently been very ’emotional’ as the choice was out of his control.

    Although telling last year he was quitting the iconic ITV soap after 15 years – it seems it was not down to him and actually, he ‘really doesn’t want to leave’.

    ‘Alex has been putting on a brave face saying he quit the show but in reality bosses decided it was time for him to move on,’ a source told The Sun.

    ‘It’s been incredibly emotional for Alex and he really doesn’t want to leave at all.

    Beloved Coronation Street actor pleads with bosses to revive his character after 15 years on the show: ‘It’s been a heartfelt goodbye’

    Coronation Street star Alex Bain is struggling to accept the end of his time on the soap as he ‘begged bosses’ to bring his character back, it has been reported

    The actor, 22, who is known by many for playing Simon Barlow since 2008, has recently been very 'emotional' as the choice was out of his control (he is pictured in 2019)

    The actor, 22, who is known by many for playing Simon Barlow since 2008, has recently been very ’emotional’ as the choice was out of his control (he is pictured in 2019)

    ‘He’s been begging bosses to keep him in mind for the future. He wants to go back already.’

    His close pal and fellow Corrie star Jack James Ryan shared an emotional tribute to Alex, calling him an ‘icon’ and a ‘brother’ as they celebrated his exit from the soap.

    Sharing the snap on his Instagram stories Jack, 28 – who played former bad boy Jacob Hay – posed hugging Alex alongside two female pals and penned proudly: ’15 years is no joke. an icon for so many & a brother of mine. we love u @alexbainofficial.’

    The actor rushed to repost Jack’s tribute on his own stories, adding a sweet comment: ‘Love ya too man! thank you to everyone who came last night. It was an absolute blast!’

    Playing the legendary character since he was only 7-year-old, Alex has now wrapped up filming and is set to depart in an explosive storyline in the summer.

    Yet, In December The Sun reported a source revealed Alex, who became a father in real life in 2018, was ‘very excited’ to move on from the ITV soap opera into new opportunities.   

    MailOnline has contacted ITV and Alex’s representatives for comment.

    Alex has been involved in a number of controversial storylines while on the Cobbles and won the British Soap Award for Best Young Actor in 2011 and scooped up another gong in 2014 at the Inside Soap Awards.

    'Alex has been putting on a brave face saying he quit the show but in reality bosses decided it was time for him to move on. It's been incredibly emotional for Alex and he really doesn't want to leave at all,' a source told The Sun (he is pictured in 2018)

    ‘Alex has been putting on a brave face saying he quit the show but in reality bosses decided it was time for him to move on. It’s been incredibly emotional for Alex and he really doesn’t want to leave at all,’ a source told The Sun (he is pictured in 2018)

    His close pal and fellow Corrie star Jack James Ryan shared an emotional tribute to Alex, calling him an 'icon' and a 'brother' as they celebrated his exit from the soap

    His close pal and fellow Corrie star Jack James Ryan shared an emotional tribute to Alex, calling him an ‘icon’ and a ‘brother’ as they celebrated his exit from the soap

    The actor rushed to repost Jack's tribute on his own stories, adding a sweet comment: 'Love ya too man! thank you to everyone who came last night. It was an absolute blast!'

    The actor rushed to repost Jack’s tribute on his own stories, adding a sweet comment: ‘Love ya too man! thank you to everyone who came last night. It was an absolute blast!’

    Alex - who joined Corrie when he was only 7 - has been involved in a number of controversial storylines while on the Cobbles and won the British Soap Award for Best Young Actor in 2011 and scooped up another gong in 2014 at the Inside Soap Awards (pictured in 2009)

    Alex – who joined Corrie when he was only 7 – has been involved in a number of controversial storylines while on the Cobbles and won the British Soap Award for Best Young Actor in 2011 and scooped up another gong in 2014 at the Inside Soap Awards (pictured in 2009)

    In real life, the actor became a dad at the age of 17, when his then-girlfriend Levi Selby gave birth to their daughter Lydia-Rose at 16 years old. 

    At the time, a source said: ‘They were over the moon at the birth of their baby girl and were really happy together. But they’ve been through a lot together and they’re both still so young.’

    Their relationship ended the following May, and the soap star met dancer Mollie Lockwood, 22, in 2019.

    Alex then revealed in December 2022 that he had popped the question to Mollie two months earlier.

    But the couple has reportedly already split – only six months after getting engaged, as Alex has wiped all trace of Mollie from his Instagram account.

    An insider told The Sun: ‘They’re gutted the relationship didn’t work out, but they’re both so young it’s hard to make such a big commitment early on in their lives.

    ‘Their mates have rallied around to support them and keep them busy. Simon is focused on the soap and getting stuck into storylines and his role.’

    After becoming engaged in October after one year of dating. The lovebirds then broke the happy news to their friends and families over Christmas, two months later.

    Speaking to OK! magazine, Alex gushed: ‘I can’t spend my life with anyone else.’

    While Mollie explained why the couple kept the news secret for so long, saying: ‘We wanted to enjoy that special time together, just the two of us, for a while.’ 

    Alex spoke of his nerves, saying: ‘I thought, ‘If I don’t do it now, I’ll keep getting more and more nervous!’ I was pretty certain she’d say yes, but I was still bricking it.’ 

    Alex has reportedly split from his fiancée Mollie Lockwood, 20, just 6 months after getting engaged

    Alex has reportedly split from his fiancée Mollie Lockwood, 20, just 6 months after getting engaged

    The actor announced that he had popped the question to Mollie, in December 2022

    The actor announced that he had popped the question to Mollie, in December 2022 

    Alex became a dad at 17, when his then-girlfriend Levi Selby (pictured) gave birth to their daughter Lydia-Rose at just 16 years old. The couple split in 2019

     Alex became a dad at 17, when his then-girlfriend Levi Selby (pictured) gave birth to their daughter Lydia-Rose at just 16 years old. The couple split in 2019

    Alex previously credited his daughter and his role on Corrie as saving him from ‘dark times’ in the past.

    He said: ‘If I didn’t stick at the job that I’m in now I would have been lost.

    ‘Corrie has kept me going and especially having a daughter has kept me going – it gives me something to do.’

  • Coronation Street actor hints at unexpected departure after long run on the show

    Coronation Street actor hints at unexpected departure after long run on the show

    Alex Bain could be about to leave Coronation Street.

    The actor, 22, has played Simon Barlow since 2008 and has been involved in numerous hard-hitting storylines but took to social media on Monday to share a behind-the-scenes snap.

    In the new picture, the soap star can be seen posing in front of his dressing room where he claimed he was ‘glad’ to have some days on set left. 

    He captioned the post: ‘Well my day is done! Nice and short day today! I’m gonna miss this little space some dearly when I go! 

    ‘So glad I’ve got some shooting days left! So thankful! 

    Coronation Street actor hints at unexpected departure after long run on the show

    Alex Bain could be about the leave Coronation Street, more than 16 years after he was cast as Simon Barlow 

    In the new picture, the soap star can be seen posing in front of his dressing room where he claimed he was 'glad' to have some days on set left

    In the new picture, the soap star can be seen posing in front of his dressing room where he claimed he was ‘glad’ to have some days on set left

    Simon Barlow is the son of Street legend Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) – who exited the serial towards the end of last year after almost 25 years –  and his late wife Lucy.

    He was born on the show in 2003, but the character emigrated to Australia with his mum and returned as a five-year-old when she passed away following a battle with cancer.

    During his first decade on the cobbles, Simon found a surrogate mother in Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson), was trapped in a fire amid the 2010 tram crash, and was bullied mercilessly by Faye Windass (Ellie Leach) for a period of time. 

    In 2015, he was at the centre of a storyline that saw him become physically abusive towards Leanne and in later years supported his cousin Amy Barlow (Elle Mulvaney) through her brief teenage pregnancy that ended in a termination.

    In more recent years, Simon found himself groomed into a drug dealing ran by Harvey Gaskell (Will Mellor).

    News of Alex’s supposed exit was first reported towards the end of 2023.  

    At the time, Alex was said to be ‘very excited’ to move on from the ITV soap opera.

    A source told The Sun: ‘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.

    ‘He’s very excited about the future and other opportunities.

    Alex was just six years old when he landed the part of Simon on Coronation Street (pictured in 2010)

    Alex was just six years old when he landed the part of Simon on Coronation Street (pictured in 2010)

    Simon is the son of Street legend Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne, pictured) and his late wife Lucy Barlow

    Simon is the son of Street legend Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne, pictured) and his late wife Lucy Barlow

    The character is part of the Barlow family, and his on-screen grandmother was the  iconic character Deirdre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride, centre), whilst his aunt is classic soap baddie Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford)

    The character is part of the Barlow family, and his on-screen grandmother was the  iconic character Deirdre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride, centre), whilst his aunt is classic soap baddie Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford)

    He found a surrogate mother in Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson, pictured) after she had a relationship with Peter in the late 2000s

    He found a surrogate mother in Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson, pictured) after she had a relationship with Peter in the late 2000s

    In more recent years, Simon has become involved with drug lord Harvey Gaskell (Will Mellor, pictured in 2021)

    In more recent years, Simon has become involved with drug lord Harvey Gaskell (Will Mellor, pictured in 2021)

    Alex won the British Soap Award for Best Young Actor in 2011 and scooped up another gong in 2014 at the Inside Soap Awards.

    In real life, the actor became a dad at the age of 17, when his then-girlfriend Levi Selby gave birth to their daughter Lydia-Rose at 16 years old. 

    At the time, a source said: ‘They were over the moon at the birth of their baby girl and were really happy together. But they’ve been through a lot together and they’re both still so young.’

    Their relationship ended the following May, and the soap star met dancer Mollie Lockwood, 22, in 2019.