Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street star Alex Bain has shared a new update on Instagram ahead of his exit from the show.
The Simon Barlow actor was first reported to be departing the cobbles late last year, and has now revealed that his time on the show is “nearly over”.
Sharing a mirror selfie from his dressing room, Alex told fans in an Instagram Story: “I can’t believe this is nearly over! I am going to miss this place so dearly!”
Related: 14 huge Coronation Street spoilers for next week
Last month, Alex addressed the speculation that he was leaving for the first time through a series of Stories.
“Well my day is done! Nice and short day today! I’m gonna miss this little space [so] dearly when I go!” he wrote. “So glad I’ve got some shooting days left! So thankful.”
Alex has played the role of Simon for the past 16 years, though the initial departure reports claimed he had taken the decision to leave to pursue new opportunities, and will exit with an “explosive” storyline.
Related: Coronation Street‘s Sam Blakeman to be drawn into cult storyline
Simon recently avoided jail time on the soap after confessing to driving with Sam Blakeman under the influence of alcohol, and was instead sentenced to 80 hours of community service and a six-month driving ban.
He has tried to turn his life around with guidance from the group called The Institute and its charismatic leader Rowan Cunliffe – though viewers will learn that it is actually a cult.
Speaking previously about the plotline, Nick Tilsley actor Ben Price explained: “It happens, so I think it’s very topical. Look how many things are on Netflix about this. I think what’s good about the story is that actually, it doesn’t take much for you to start believing something.”
