Coronation Street fans were sad when ITV confirmed that Mollie Gallagher would be leaving the soap after playing Nina Lucas for more than six years.
Now, the actor has spoken for the first time about her exit. While she admitted that saying goodbye was emotional, she also shared why she believes Nina’s journey may not be over. Scroll down for more.
Mollie Gallagher Talks About Leaving Coronation Street
Mollie Gallagher appeared on This Morning on Monday, July 13, where she opened up about leaving Coronation Street. She said it was a difficult decision because she loved being part of the show, but she is also excited about what comes next.
Last month, ITV confirmed that Gallagher would be leaving the soap. She has already filmed her final scenes as Nina Lucas. At the same time, it was announced that she will star in the stage version of The Silence of the Lambs with John Partridge.
Speaking to hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley, Gallagher admitted that filming her final scenes was emotional. “I don’t like change. It was really sad,” she said. She also gave fans hope that Nina could return one day, adding: “I believe it’s not the end of Nina’s story. I love Corrie so much, so I really hope it’s not the end. I don’t feel like it is.”
Coronation Street Sent Mollie A Warm Goodbye
After ITV announced Gallagher’s exit, the Coronation Street team shared a heartfelt message about her time on the show. Nina became one of the soap’s most loved characters after arriving on the cobbles, and many fans will be sorry to see her leave.
A spokesperson for the soap said: “Mollie has created a unique and well loved character in Nina over the past six and a half years and everyone will be sorry to see her go.” The spokesperson also wished her success in her new role, saying: “It is fantastic for Mollie that she has been given this incredible opportunity to play such an iconic role and we wish her all the best for the theatre tour.”
Gallagher will soon appear in the stage version of The Silence of the Lambs, based on Thomas Harris’s 1988 novel. The story became famous after the 1991 film, which won five Academy Awards.
The stage tour will travel across the UK and Ireland, with its first performance taking place at Leicester’s Curve Theatre on August 1. She will play FBI trainee Clarice Starling, the same role that won Jodie Foster an Oscar in the film. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street spoilers and behind-the-scenes updates.