Exclusive: Coronation Street’s Mollie Gallagher reveals why she quit Nina Lucas role
Coronation Street fans are preparing for an emotional goodbye as Mollie Gallagher confirms her departure from the ITV soap after nearly seven years playing beloved Weatherfield resident Nina Lucas.
The actress, who became a firm favourite among viewers with her unique gothic style, artistic personality and heartfelt friendship with Roy Cropper, has opened up about the difficult decision to leave the cobbles and begin a brand-new chapter on stage.
While Nina’s exit will leave many fans devastated, Mollie has revealed that her story may not be completely finished — and she hopes the door remains open for a future return.
Mollie Gallagher Confirms Why It Was Time To Leave Nina Behind
Mollie Gallagher first arrived on Coronation Street after graduating from drama school, landing the role of Nina Lucas in 2019.
From the moment she appeared in Weatherfield, Nina stood out as a refreshingly different character. With her alternative fashion, passion for art and quiet confidence, she quickly became one of the soap’s most distinctive younger characters.
Speaking about her decision to leave, Mollie admitted that walking away from Coronation Street was incredibly difficult because of the special connection she developed with the show and her character.
She explained:
“It was a tricky one because I love Corrie so much. I love everyone there and I love Nina too.”
The actress revealed that Nina was always a dream role for her because she was able to portray someone who remained true to herself.
Mollie said she was determined that Nina would never lose the qualities that made fans connect with her.
“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.”
Nina Lucas’ Future Remains Open After Emotional Exit
Although Mollie has filmed her final scenes, fans have been given hope that Nina Lucas could one day return to the cobbles.
Unlike many dramatic soap departures, Nina will not be killed off — something Mollie admitted was extremely important to her.
The actress revealed:
“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.”
One storyline she would love to explore further is Nina’s artistic talent, which was introduced when she first joined the show.
She also highlighted one of the most important relationships in Nina’s journey — her bond with Roy Cropper, played by David Neilson.
Mollie described Nina and Roy’s friendship as one of the highlights of her time on Coronation Street.
“That’s my favourite part of being at Corrie — Nina and Roy. So I hope that it isn’t the end.”
David Neilson Gives His Support To Mollie’s New Chapter
Mollie revealed that David Neilson, who plays Roy Cropper, was incredibly supportive when she told him about her decision to move on.
The pair developed one of Coronation Street’s most touching modern friendships, with Roy becoming a mentor and father figure to Nina.
According to Mollie, David understood why she wanted to challenge herself creatively.
“David’s amazing. He just thought it was a brilliant opportunity and sometimes you have to do different things.”
The actress added that she hopes she will eventually return to Weatherfield and continue exploring Nina’s journey.
For now, however, she is embracing the opportunity to take on something completely different.
From Weatherfield To The West End: Mollie’s New Role As Clarice Starling
Mollie Gallagher’s next challenge sees her stepping away from soap drama and into the world of theatre.
The actress will make her professional stage debut in the UK tour of The Silence Of The Lambs, taking on the iconic role of FBI trainee Clarice Starling.
She will appear alongside former EastEnders actor John Partridge and former Emmerdale star Oliver Farnworth.
Mollie admitted that the opportunity was impossible to turn down, especially as she has always had a passion for theatre.
She explained:
“Number one, I love theatre. When I was growing up and doing drama, it was all about being on stage and that is how I fell in love with it.”
The actress also revealed that she has always been a fan of psychological thrillers, making the role a perfect fit.
“The Silence of the Lambs is one of the greatest films ever and I’m a massive horror and psychological thriller fan.”
A Completely Different Challenge For Mollie Gallagher
While Nina Lucas and Clarice Starling may both be strong female characters, Mollie explained that the two roles could not be more different.
She revealed that one of the most exciting parts of the project was stepping away from the character audiences know her for.
“Clarice is very different to Nina and I, so one of my favourite aspects is that transformation.”
Unlike soap filming, where actors often work around multiple storylines and schedules, theatre requires a completely different level of preparation and performance.
Mollie explained that performing live on stage brings a new intensity because there is no opportunity to repeat a scene or rely on camera angles.
She said:
“There’s no hiding, there’s no picking the best shot. You have to be bold on stage.”
Working Alongside Soap Legends
Mollie has also enjoyed sharing the stage with familiar faces from the soap world.
She revealed that working alongside John Partridge and Oliver Farnworth has been a rewarding experience, especially because both actors have years of industry experience.
She described the production team as creating a unique “soap bubble”, with stars from Coronation Street, EastEnders and Emmerdale coming together.
Mollie added that Oliver’s own time on Coronation Street gave them plenty to talk about.
“It’s nice to learn from them and get some advice. I’m very lucky.”
Mollie Gallagher Reflects On Seven Years At Coronation Street
Looking back at her time on Coronation Street, Mollie admitted that leaving such a secure role was emotional.
The actress spent almost seven years on the ITV soap, something she described as a rare and valuable experience in the acting industry.
She explained:
“Corrie is a bit of an anomaly in the industry. I was there for seven years and it’s an actor’s dream to have a job that has a little bit of security.”
However, she knew that growth meant taking risks.
Mollie said she never wanted to remain comfortable and wanted to challenge herself with something new.
A Message To The Fans Who Supported Nina Lucas
As Nina prepares to leave Weatherfield, Mollie has shared her gratitude towards the Coronation Street viewers who supported her character.
She acknowledged that the fans are the reason the soap continues to thrive and said their messages have meant a great deal.
“Without the fans there’s no show, is there?”
The actress added:
“To everyone who supported me specifically — I read the messages and it makes me smile. It gives me confidence, so thank you.”
While fans will undoubtedly miss seeing Nina Lucas on the cobbles, Mollie Gallagher’s next adventure promises to showcase another side of her talent.
And with Nina’s exit leaving the door open, Weatherfield viewers can continue hoping that one day, the gothic artist may return home to Roy and the rest of the Coronation Street family.