Corrie’s Alex Bain declares love for co-star as he cuddles up to Elle Mulvaney

Coronation Street’s Simon Barlow star Alex Bain enjoyed a send off from his co-stars after making the decision to quit the ITV soap after 16 years playing his iconic character

During his soap opera farewell, Alex Bain, who plays Alex, hugged his co-star and said, “I love you!” to him.

After 16 years as Peter Barlow’s son on ITV, the celebrity has left his position as Simon Barlow. It appears like the last of his sequences are being filmed because Alex went out to celebrate with his friends by having a knees-up.

Jack James Ryan, who portrayed Jacob Hay in the soap opera until 2023, and actress Elle Mulvaney, who plays Amy Barlow, accompanied him. Jack put his arm around Alex’s shoulders while he held a drink in one hand as the two posed with a friend.

Alex rocked a loose white shirt, giving fans a glimpse of his chest hair and the silver chain he wore around his neck, untucked over black trousers and with a simple leather jacket over the top. Elle, meanwhile, rocked blue jeans and a white top, along with a creamy leather clutch bag.

Summer Spellman star Harriet Bibby was also in attendance, looking totally different as she sported a full fringe while tucking her own arm around Jack with a grin on her face.

Jack penned on Instagram: “16 years is no joke. An icon for so many and a brother of mine. We love u @alexbainofficial.” Alex soon reposted the sweet snap to his own Stories, adding: “Love ya too man! Thank you to everyone that came last night!! It was an absolute blast!” Elle also shared the post to her own Stories.

It’s been a tumultuous few years for Alex after splitting from his fiancée Mollie Lockwood. He popped the question in 2022, but in April 2023 the pair decided to call it quits, with Alex also taking a break from social media. He told fans: “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.”

He said he needs time to “heal” and “work on himself” – but now he’s back on socials with a series of new headshots as he heads into a new series of auditions after quitting Corrie. Alex has admitted he’ll miss playing Simon, shooting a selfie in the wardrobe department surrounded by his character’s clothes.

He confessed: “I can’t believe this is nearly over! I am going to miss this place so dearly!” The actor is leaving to “pursue new opportunities” after growing up in Weatherfield.

“Alex is sad to be leaving Coronation Street because it really is like a family— but he realizes that the time is right to move on,” a source about his departure told The Sun. He is incredibly enthusiastic about the future and upcoming chances.

After establishing Mjöllnir Productions Ltd. in 2020 and announcing that he would be releasing music shortly, he has a lot more work to do. With the comment, “Just wait till people see what music we can cook up between us!,” he hinted to a possible collaboration with Ella Hammill. They’re going to get blindsided!