Mollie Gallagher has departed Coronation Street after more than six years in the role of Nina Lucas, with her final scenes already filmed. The actress made her debut as the niece of Weatherfield stalwart Roy Cropper in 2019 and quickly became a regular fixture on the ITV soap.
Hate Crime Storyline and Award Wins
Gallagher's character became a standout star following a harrowing hate crime storyline that led to the death of Nina's boyfriend, Seb Franklin. For this performance, she won the Serial Drama Performance award at the National Television Awards in 2021 and Best Newcomer at the Inside Soap Awards.
In recent months, Nina's storylines focused on supporting her uncle Roy after his wrongful imprisonment in 2024 for the presumed disappearance and murder of Lauren Bolton.
Exit Confirmed and Next Role
A Coronation Street spokesperson confirmed the departure to Digital Spy, stating: "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."
Gallagher has already secured her next role, making her professional stage debut as Clarice Starling in the UK and Ireland tour of The Silence of the Lambs.
Tribute to Co-Star David Neilson
Last year, Gallagher was present when David Neilson, who plays Roy Cropper, received the Outstanding Achievement Award at the British Soap Awards, presented by Julie Hesmondhalgh (Hayley Cropper). On Instagram, Gallagher shared a photo with Neilson and wrote: "Roy and Nina// David and Mollie... It's still wild that at my graduation I was waiting to hear to see if I was going to be playing Roy Cropper's niece. Now here I am almost 6 years later with my on screen uncle celebrating the icon that David is. Imagine 21 year old me on my first job getting to work with David Neilson on the daily. Very lucky. Thanks for being the best David xxxxx Also look at us both wearing blue."
