Emotional Coronation Street icon breaks silence as soap stint comes to an end after 16 years

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Coronation Street's Alex Bain, who has played Simon Barlow since he was just seven years old, has shared an emotional update with his fans as his time on the ITV soap is "nearly over." The actor, who made his debut in 2008 and has been a staple on the cobbles ever since, took to Instagram to share a mirror selfie from his dressing room.

Alongside the image, he captioned it: "I can't believe this is nearly over! I am going to miss this place so dearly!" Alex first announced he was leaving in December 2023, with the actor keen to leave behind his soap roots and pursue other opportunities.

A source told The Sun at the time: "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." They added: "He's very excited about the future and other opportunities." The publication also went on to reveal that Alex will leave with an "explosive storyline this summer," reports the Daily Star.

In March, Alex confirmed his exit as he opened up in an emotional post. Alongside a snap taken in his dressing room, the star wrote: "Well my day is done!