Coronation Street star 'struggling' and 'begged bosses to stay' as he's axed after 15 years

Coronation Street's Alex Bain is said to have "begged bosses" to bring his character back after he was axed from the soap.

The 22-year-old actor has played Simon Barlow for 15 years on the show and first claimed he was quitting the cobbles last year. However, it has now been reported the decision was out of his hands and Alex is desperate to stay.

Opening up about the star's exit from the soap - where the dad-of-one has spent almost three quarters of his life - a source said: "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."

Corrie's Alex Bain is said to be ‘gutted’ to leave the ITV soap
(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)





Alex recently celebrated his time on the soap with his former co-star, Jack James Ryan, who played bad boy, Jacob Hay

"It's been incredibly emotional for Alex and he really doesn't want to leave at all. He's been begging bosses to keep him in mind for the future. He wants to go back already," they added, according to The Sun.

Alex recently celebrated his time on the soap with his former co-star, Jack James Ryan, who played bad boy Jacob Hay. Sharing the snap on his Instagram storiest, Jack, 28, 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." Alex reposted the message, replying: "Love ya too man! thank you to everyone who came last night. It was an absolute blast!"

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Having played the iconic Simon since he was only 7 years old, Alex has now wrapped up filming and is set to depart in an bombshell storyline in the summer.

In March, the actor posted a picture on Instagram appearing to confirming he was getting ready to say goodbye to Weatherfield. Alex shared a snap from his dressing room mirror with the caption: "Well my day is done! Nice and short day today! I'm gonna miss this little space some dearly when I go!" The actor went on to write: "So glad I've got some shooting days left! So thankful!"

His final scenes will air this summer
(Image: ITV)

In December, The Sun claimed Alex, who became a father in 2018, was "very excited" to move on from the ITV soap opera into new opportunities. He has been involved in a number of controversial storylines on Coronation Street and won the British Soap Award for Best Young Actor in 2011 as well as scooping up another gong in 2014 at the Inside Soap Awards.

Speaking previously to the Mirror, actor Ryan Prescott, who plays Ryan Connor in the soap, opened up about Alex's upcoming departure from the show. Ryan told The Mirror at the TV Choice Awards 2024 how he'd heard the reports the actor was leaving, saying although he was surprised, it wasn't uncommon for soap stars to try other things after more than a decade in a role. He also teased Corrie might not be over for Alex, hinting he may return in the future.

The Mirror has contacted Alex's rep and ITV for comment on this story.

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