BREAKING: Coronation Street star speaks out after an emotional departure as fans show their support.
Coronation Street’s Mollie Gallagher Breaks Silence After Nina Lucas’ Emotional Exit
Mollie Gallagher has spoken out following her emotional Coronation Street departure after almost seven years playing Nina Lucas.
The actress first arrived on the ITV soap six and a half years ago as the niece of Weatherfield legend Roy Cropper.
Nina moved onto the cobbles after being taken in by Roy following the death of her seriously ill father, Richard Lucas. She quickly became a popular character, with her distinctive appearance, fierce individuality and close relationship with her uncle winning over viewers.
Mollie later became central to one of Coronation Street’s biggest and most acclaimed storylines of recent years.
In 2021, Nina and her boyfriend Seb Franklin were attacked in a hate crime storyline. Seb died from his injuries, leaving Nina struggling with grief and the emotional consequences of surviving the attack.
Nina’s final episode saw her preparing to leave Weatherfield after accepting her dream job at an art gallery in Whitby.
Her departure had already been announced, but the character’s last scenes still proved deeply emotional for viewers.
Before leaving the cobbles, Nina invited her closest friends and family to the Rovers Return for farewell drinks.
She then visited the memorial garden dedicated to Seb, where she listened to the same song the couple used to enjoy together.
Seb’s mother, Abi Webster, found Nina at the memorial and joined her for one final conversation before she left Weatherfield.
During the emotional exchange, Nina attempted to apologise for being the person who survived the attack instead of Abi’s son.
Abi immediately refused to accept the apology, making it clear that Nina was not responsible for Seb’s death.
Nina promised that she would never forget him before the two women shared a tearful farewell.
Mollie pays tribute to her ‘dream’ character
Following the broadcast, Mollie shared a heartfelt message about Nina and her years working on Coronation Street.
“Nina and Corrie, you have been a dream,” she wrote. “I stepped foot onto the cobbles almost seven years ago and what a time it has been!”
The actress reflected on the importance of securing such a major role at the beginning of her career, particularly as a working-class performer from Salford.
“As a working-class actor from Salford, I am proud to be part of a show that feels like home, and I am beyond grateful for everything and everybody there,” she continued.
Mollie said Nina had been an extraordinary first television role and described the character as one she had dreamed of playing.
“Corrie brought a dream of a character to life and I can’t believe I get to say I played a dream role for my first ever acting job,” she wrote.
However, her message suggested that viewers may not have seen the last of Nina forever.
“Just a goodbye for now,” Mollie added, before signing off with a message perfectly suited to the character: “Stay weird.”
Mollie prepares for major new role
Coronation Street also shared an exit video in which Mollie personally thanked viewers for supporting her throughout her time on the programme.
Once again, she stressed that her departure should be seen as “see you later” rather than a permanent goodbye.
Fans quickly filled the comments with messages of support and wished her luck as she begins the next stage of her career.
Mollie is leaving Weatherfield to make her professional stage debut as Clarice Starling in a UK and Ireland touring production of The Silence of the Lambs.
The new role marks a dramatic change from Nina and will give Mollie the opportunity to perform live in front of theatre audiences across the country.
Her final Coronation Street message has deliberately left the door open for a future return. For now, however, Nina has exchanged the cobbles for Whitby while Mollie prepares to take on her biggest challenge since joining the soap.
