Coronation Street fans ‘work out’ Simon Barlow’s harrowing exit storyline after spotting ‘clues’ on the show
CORONATION Street fans are convinced they have sussed Simon Barlow’s exit storyline after analysing clues.
Simon’s dad Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) left the cobbles after struggling to cope with his guilt over killing serial killer Stephen Reid.
Peter has been desperate to escape from the memories of what he did and was offered the chance to join an old pal on an around-the-world sailing adventure.
However, Simon (Alex Bain) was left fuming and upset as his dad didn’t say goodbye.
Fans now think this will cause Simon to spiral into alcoholism just like his dad did.
Taking to X, formally known as Twitter, one fan said: “If I had to guess, I’d say that Simon being absent for Peter’s departure will be used as an accelerator for his own alcoholism storyline.
“They’re been making too big a deal of how much Simon likes a drink these days for it not to mean something.”
Another added: “Yeah, I think it was definitely intentional to eventually lead to his exit.”
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the Corrie star is quitting the ITV soap after 15 years.
He landed the role as Simon when he was just a seven-year-old and shocked fans in 2018 when he revealed he was becoming a teenage dad in real life.
Now 22, Alex, will bow out with an explosive storyline this summer.
A source said: “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’s then-girlfriend Levi Selby gave birth shortly after her 16th birthday to daughter Lydia-Rose. Alex — 16 when Levi fell pregnant — was 17 and had only just sat his GCSE exams.
He has been involved in a string of controversial Corrie storylines and won the British Soap Award for Best Young Actor in 2011.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV1 and ITVX from 8pm.