Coronation Street star Mollie Gallagher has quit her role as Nina Lucas after six years on the ITV soap. Her final scenes are expected to air at the end of August. Gallagher has already signed on to play Clarice Starling in the UK and Ireland tour of Silence of the Lambs, a stage adaptation of the classic thriller.
New Stage Role and Co-Stars
The theatre production will feature former EastEnders actor John Partridge and Emmerdale star Oliver Farnworth. Gallagher's departure from the Cobbles marks the end of a significant chapter for her character, who has been involved in major storylines including the tragic death of Seb Franklin.
A Coronation Street spokesperson 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. 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."
Co-Stars React
Gallagher's fellow cast members were quick to congratulate her. Elle Mulvaney wrote: "So proud can’t wait to come and watch you shine," while Sydney Martin added: "Star Girl." Sair Khan shared: "So excited for this!!!! Go Mollie!!!" Harriet Bibby commented: "I’m obsessed," and Catherine Tydlesey said: "Here she is!" Kimberley Hart Simpson wrote: "Wooooooow I absolutely love this," and Tony Maudsley added: "I feel a Corrie night out coming on!! Well proud of you @mollie.gallagher_."
Gallagher's Journey on Coronation Street
When she joined the show, Gallagher expressed excitement about working with soap legends David Neilson and Alison King. "I grew up loving Corrie and one of my favourite characters was always Carla Connor so when I found out I was going to be working alongside Ali King I was really excited and nervous. It’s like I’ve watched all these people on my telly and now I am working with them. When I found out I was going to be Roy’s niece, I was so happy. I thought, 'Wow what an amazing person to work alongside', I still can’t believe it. Even now I still think wow I’m actually on the set of Coronation Street!" she said.
Impactful Storylines
One of her most significant storylines involved the attack on Nina and Seb due to her appearance. "I was told about the storyline and obviously what happens is absolutely awful and so sad. I was told about the connection to what happened in real life with Sophie Lancaster which was absolutely heartbreaking," she said. "From the get go I did lots of research, and we have been working with the Sophie Lancaster Foundation. I was so grateful to be doing this storyline on an issue which is so important to highlight, I wanted to do it justice. Knowing this has happened and does happen breaks my heart. It is so important to raise awareness on the issue and I hope the storyline does this."
