Coronation Street fans mourning the departure of Mollie Gallagher can find solace: the actor is set to take on the iconic role of Clarice Starling in a stage adaptation of Silence of the Lambs. The production, directed by Nikolai Foster and adapted by Gina Gionfriddo, will tour the UK starting in August.
From Cobbles to Cannibals
Gallagher, best known for playing Nina Lucas—a cheerful Victorian Goth who arrived in Weatherfield in 2019 as Roy Cropper's long-lost niece—will swap the cobbles for a padded cell. Her character Nina was inspired by the real-life murder of Sophie Lancaster and endured a vicious hate crime attack alongside boyfriend Seb Franklin. Now, Gallagher faces a new challenge as FBI agent Clarice Starling, who must collaborate with cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter to catch another murderer.
Star-Studded Cast
Joining Gallagher is Johnny Partridge, known for his role as Christian Clarke on EastEnders, who will portray Hannibal Lecter. The cast also includes Oliver Farnworth as Jack Crawford—ironically, Farnworth played Emmerdale's serial killer John Sugden—and Sam Jackson, from Skins, as Buffalo Bill. Fans have expressed excitement on Instagram, with one writing, 'Had my tickets booked for ages! So happy that Mollie is in this.'
Support from Co-Stars
Gallagher's Coronation Street co-star Beth Nixon, who plays manipulative predator Megan Walsh, shared her enthusiasm: 'OH MY GOD I CANT WAIT! So proud of you!' The play's teaser was originally posted on Instagram by @sotlplay and reposted by Partridge.
Tour Details
The stage production, adapted by Gina Gionfriddo and directed by Nikolai Foster, will tour the UK from August. Specific venues and dates are yet to be announced, but fans are already booking tickets. Gallagher's final scenes as Nina Lucas are expected to air later this year, marking the end of a beloved character who became integral to Roy's Rolls and Weatherfield life.
