Simon Barlow is a character in Coronation Street who was born in 2003, the son of Peter Barlow and Lucy Richards. He returned on 29 October 2008 and appeared until 3 June 2024.
Simon was originally likeable but did show a darker side to his character in 2015. His stepmother Leanne Tilsley is his guardian but he started hitting her and insulting her but recieved counselling and he calmed down a lot, but in 2018 his rebellious side resurfaced. In 2018, the evil Simon mugged Audrey Roberts. Simon is played by Alex Bain.
Biography[]
2003[]
Simon was born in July 2003 to Lucy and Peter Barlow. When Lucy found out that Peter had committed bigamy by marrying Shelley Unwin, Lucy left Peter and moved to Australia with Simon, telling Peter he wouldn't see his son again.
2008-2024[]
At some point Simon returned to the United Kingdom with Lucy. Following her passing from breast cancer in October 2008, Peter gained custody of his son, now five years old. Peter was overwhelmed with suddenly being thrust into parenthood, so brought Simon to Coronation Street to meet his family for the first time. This included Ken Barlow, Deirdre Barlow and Blanche Hunt. That same night Peter went to the pub with Ken. Peter got drunk and emotional when the reality of the situation hit him, and began asking punters if they would take Simon off him. Peter regretted his words the following day. It became clear that Peter was suffering alcoholism, although he denied having a problem. Simon began attending Bessie Street primary school, where he landed the role of Joseph in the school's nativity play. Peter ruined the event by turning up drunk and being thrown out.
Simon grew close to Leanne Battersby, who was under Peter's employ at the Bookies on Rosamund Street. But Leanne left the street when Peter returned and was revealed to have been having an affair. Peter was left alone in his flat with Simon, although tried to his best to be a good father. He bought a pet rabbit for Simon, which the boy named Leanne. Peter's alcoholism got worse and one night he fell asleep holding a lit cigarette, which he dropped and caused a fire in the flat. Factory owners Tony Gordon and Luke Strong saved all of them from the house, although Simon was put on a ventilator and given oxygen. Peter was overwhelmed with guilt. Simon made a full recovery, and Peter finally admitted to his family that he is an alcoholic. He began attending Alcoholics Anonymous in order to seek help for his drinking.
Following the rabbit passing away, Peter took Simon to see Leanne at her new workplace. Leanne was initially unhappy with seeing Peter again after many months, although eventually returned to Coronation Street and the couple reconciled. Near the end of 2009, Simon's grandfather George Wilson came into his life after learning about the death of Lucy. George became concerned after finding out about the darker pasts of the Barlow family as well as Leanne, and also that Peter suffered with alcoholism. Despite Peter's past issues, George decided to finance his ambition to open up a bar and helped him get planning permission. But on the opening night Peter hit the bottle and got drunk. George temporarily took Simon into his custody. During a trip to Blackpool with George and George's wife Eve, Simon overheard George's plans to take full custody of Simon. Simon ran off and disappeared, which sent his family into a worried frenzy. Simon disappeared overnight, but returned the following day when managing to find his way back home. A guilt ridden George allowed Simon to return to the Barlow family, and left Simon's life for good.
Background information[]
Simon Barlow (originally known as Simon Richards) appeared as an infant from July 2003 to November 2003. He played by twins Jake and Oscar Hartley, as well as Daniel Whelan during this period of time.
When Chris Gascoyne agreed to return as Peter Barlow full-time in 2008, producers decided to reintroduce Simon Barlow (now five years old), and Alex Bain was cast in the role. Alex Bain is two years older than the character. Alex Bain made his first appearance as Simon in October 2008. For his role as Simon, he won Best Young Actor in the Inside Soap Awards in 2009, 2011 and 2012, as well as British Soap Award for Best Young Performance in 2011.
In December 2023, it was announced that Bain had quit the role after fifteen years. Simon will depart the series in the summer of 2024, 21 years following his debut. Despite the previous claim he had quit, Bain revealed in April 2024 that he was axed from the show. He completed filming that same month for Simon's exit and he departed on 3rd June 2024.
Gallery[]
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List of addresses[]
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Employment history[]
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Memorable info[]
Appearances: 6 Jul 2003-7 Nov 2003, 29 Oct 2008-3 Jun 2024
Born: 6th July 2003
Full Name: Simon John Barlow
Parents: Peter Barlow and Lucy Richards
Siblings: None
Grandfathers: Ken Barlow, George Wilson
Grandmothers: Valerie Barlow, Eve Wilson
Great Grandfathers: Frank Barlow, Alfred Tatlock
Great Grandmothers: Ida Barlow, Edith Tatlock
Great, Great Grandfathers: Sidney Barlow, William Tatlock, George Leathers
Great, Great Grandmothers: Edna Barlow, Emmeline Tatlock, Nancy Leathers
Uncles/Aunts: Lawrence Cunningham, Susan Barlow, Daniel Osbourne, Tracy Barlow (adoptive)
Cousins: Adam Barlow, Amy Barlow (adoptive)