Corrie star Simon Barlow's life off-screen from dad at 17 to whirlwind romance
Coronation Street star Alex Bain was just seven years old when he rocked up on the cobbles playing Simon Barlow - and his life has changed a whole lot off-screen since then.
The actor first joined the ITV soap opera in 2008 and has been involved in many dramatic storylines over the years - but now he's set to move on to new ventures. The star, 22, is leaving the show to take on other opportunities, it has been reported, and his final scenes will air this summer.
Since joining the cast of Corrie, Alex has become a father, got engaged and been through a difficult break-up. The dad-of-one popped the question to his girlfriend, performer Mollie Lockwood, 19, in December 2022, but just six months later, they called off the wedding.
Corrie's Simon Barlow is played by actor Alex Bain (ITV)He took to Instagram in April 2023 to announce that he would be stepping away from social media for a short while, and said: "Due to recent personal life events, I will be taking a break from all forms of social media. I'm sure you can all understand.
"I will still be around, however because of certain numbers of comments made on the recent articles, and numerous other personal reasons, I will stepping away for a while to work on myself and personal healing. For now, unless it's necessary for me to be here, I will be very absent for a while."
Corrie's Sue Cleaver says I'm A Celebrity stint helped her to push boundaries
Alex added: "Remember everyone: try to be kind to people in the world, as under the surface no one knows everyone's own struggles. And to those who have messaged me personally: I have seen them and I thank you, from the bottom of my heart."
Alex was engaged to his girlfriend Mollie Lockwood (themollielockwood/Instagram)
The couple reportedly called off their wedding in 2023Alex's heartfelt post came after he spoke about proposing in 2022, gushing he "couldn't spend [his] life with anyone else" other than Mollie. He then got down on one knee to the student in October 2022 during a date night in Chester on their second anniversary.
Alex told OK! magazine at the time: "That's when I just asked her. 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 took a break from socials after his heartbreak (INSTAGRAM)
Alex became a dad at 17 with his ex-girlfriend Levi (Facebook)Quizzed on why he thought it was the right time to ask, he said: "I did have a tiny inkling on the night that it could happen – just because it was such a special day in such a romantic place! And we'd spoken before about getting married and spending our lives together."
However addressing his split with Mollie, a source told The Sun last year: "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."
The Blackburn-born star was 17 years old when he became a dad to daughter Lydia Rose in December 2018, shortly after he sat his GCSEs. He welcomed the little girl into the world with his former partner, Levi Selby.
Speaking at the time about becoming a dad, Alex told Inside Soap: "I adore having a child, I really do, and I wouldn't have it any other way. But don't get me wrong, she runs me ragged!"
His daughter was born just before the global lockdown. Alex added: "My family has always said that I was exactly like she is when I was her age. Before Covid, she was going to dance classes as well, so she's really following in her dad's footsteps. She's always dancing and singing – it's great!"
A year after their daughter was born, Levi and Alex split, with a source telling The Sun: "It's a shame they couldn't make the relationship work, but they've gone their separate ways. They're both now just trying to move on. but they absolutely adore their daughter."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
