A CORONATION Street star has left the cobbles after quitting the show 21 years after their first appeance.
The character made a rather low-key departure in tonight's episode as they headed for pastures new.
Simon Barlow, played by Alex Bain, was axed from the soap late last year and now the character has waved goodbye to Weatherfield one last time.
His exit was overshadowed by many other major storylines in the ITV soap as well as his mum Leanne's fall-out with Toyah and Nick.
Simon's simplistic exit saw him say farewell to his family before hopping into the back of a taxi to head to the airport.
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The youngster will be joining his father, Peter, abroad, after managing to land a job working alongside him on the boats overseas.
Earlier in the episode, Simon was left contemplating the fact that he may be quitting not only Weatherfield but the UK for good without having the chance to say goodbye to his mum.
Leanne had been away on a weeks-long trip with Rowan's Institute in order to practise her 'mindfulness' amid her ongoing brainwashing storyline.
She had been due to return home the night before where Simon planned a sit down to bring her up to speed with her decision.
However, when she never made it back and with all contact cut during her time away, it appeared likely that he wouldn't get the chance to see her again before he left.
When she did turn up, she was left stunned when Ken Barlow announced that Simon was leaving.
Leanne was left furious, especially when she found out that Toyah had been involved in the decision making.
She was left adamant that Toyah had pushed Simon to leave and insinuated it was punishment for her joining The Insitute.
Earlier this year, The Sun told how Simon actor Alex was gutted to have been booted from his role on the show.
The actor, 22, has told pals he is ‘gutted’ about being axed, revealing the decision was out of his control.
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The Sun first told last year how Alex – who plays Simon Barlow – was leaving the ITV show after 15 years and he has now wrapped his final scenes.
An insider 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.
“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.”
Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and is available on ITVX.
