Mollie Gallagher is leaving Weatherfield as she takes on a new project on stage
Coronation Street star Mollie Gallagher celebrated her theatre debut as her exit as Nina Lucas will air later this month on the ITV soap.
The actress made her debut as Nina Lucas, the niece of Weatherfield favourite Roy Cropper, in 2019, quickly becoming a regular presence on the ITV soap.
Mollie was soon at the centre of some of the show’s biggest storylines, including a harrowing hate crime plot that resulted in the death of Nina’s boyfriend, Seb Franklin. Her powerful portrayal earned her a National Television Award for Serial Drama Performance.
Last month, after six and a half years on the famous cobbles, it was confirmed that Mollie would be leaving the Salford-based soap to make her stage debut as Clarice Starling in the UK and Ireland tour of The Silence of the Lambs.
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Now, Mollie has revealed that the opportunity to take on the iconic role played a key part in her decision to leave. Speaking to Inside Soap, she said it was a difficult choice because of how much she loves Corrie, the cast and crew, and Nina.
She explained: “Yeah, it was a tricky one because I love Corrie so much. 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.
“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.
“So it was a really hard situation, but as an actor, you do want to challenge yourself by trying new things. This new job is completely different because it’s theatre. It was sad – in an ideal world I’d be doing both, but that just wouldn’t work!”
Taking to her Instagram, Mollie shared a stunning snap of herself on the red carpet for her theatre debut. She gushed: “Theatre debut complete @curve_leicester
“The most brilliant rehearsal process with @nikolaifostertheatre @juliathomas967 @bentleighmarie and the brilliant writer @gina_gionfriddo_ I haven’t been on a stage since I left drama school 7 years ago, so it’s been amazing to learn from some of the best. I’m v excited to keep being able to learn and grow on stage.
“I still can’t believe I get to be part of this amazing play as my first ever theatre job!!! Here’s to a year of Clarice Starling and @sotlplay Book ya tickets- Dr Lector is waiting”.
Her Corrie co-stars rushed to show their support as Sally Carman penned: “Oh I’m SO EXCITED to see you in this!!!” and Sue Devaney added: “So so proud of you our Mols! Can’t wait to see you shine my darling xxxxx Have the best run xxxx”
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