Coronation Street star Mollie Gallagher has confirmed that Nina Lucas's story 'isn't over' and explained why she wasn't killed off the show. Gallagher, who played the beloved alt-goth character, departed the cobbles to take on the role of Clarice Starling in the stage adaptation of The Silence of the Lambs.
Gallagher on Leaving Corrie
Gallagher revealed that leaving Coronation Street was a difficult decision. 'It was a tricky one because I love Corrie so much,' she said. 'I love everyone there and I love Nina, too. When I graduated from drama school and got the audition for Corrie, I thought that Nina was a dream character for me to play.'
She added: 'I was really passionate about portraying this alternative character. We kept her quite similar the whole time, which was important to me. I never wanted Nina to lose her goth look and who she is – I think the audience have always really appreciated that.'
Why Nina Wasn't Killed Off
Gallagher stressed that she would not have accepted a storyline that killed off Nina. 'I would not have been able to deal with that! Nina is such a unique character and I think there's so much to do with her,' she said. 'There's her art – when she came into the show, she was really talented. I wanted to explore more of that. Obviously there's the brilliant relationship with Roy, too. I think that's my favourite part of being at Corrie – Nina and Roy. So I hope that it isn't the end.'
The door has been left open for a potential return, as Gallagher's departure was not a permanent exit.
Nina's Journey on the Cobbles
Nina arrived in Weatherfield as the long-lost niece of Roy Cropper (David Neilson). She quickly won over fans with her kindness and strength, but was also at the centre of a violent hate crime plot. Nina and her boyfriend Seb Franklin (Harry Visinoni) were attacked by Corey Brent (Maximus Evans) and his gang because of Nina's goth style. Seb died in the assault, and Nina later reclaimed her identity.
Her on-off relationship with Asha Alahan (Tanisha Gorey) was a fan favourite, but any hopes of a long-term reunion were dashed when Gallagher announced her departure.
New Role in The Silence of the Lambs
Gallagher will next be seen on stage as Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs. She will be joined by fellow soap stars John Partridge (EastEnders) as Dr Hannibal Lecter and Oliver Farnworth (Emmerdale) as Jack Crawford. 'They're the two actors I work with the most. We get on very well, which is what you want! They're brilliant actors as well,' Gallagher said. 'It's nice, because it's this little soap bubble. We've got EastEnders, Emmerdale, Corrie – and Ollie did Corrie as well.'
Message to Fans
Gallagher had a final message for Coronation Street viewers: 'All of the support from the people who watch Corrie really means a lot to all of us. To everyone who supported me specifically – I read the messages and it makes me smile. It gives me confidence, so thank you to everybody who's been so supportive. And hopefully some of the Corrie fans will get some tickets – it'll be nice for them to see me in a different role!'
