Alex Bain has quit Coronation Street after almost 16 years in the role of Simon Barlow.

The 22-year-old joined the soap as a six-year-old in 2008, taking on the part of Peter (Chris Gascoyne)'s son, who returned to the UK to live with his dad after his mum died in Australia.

According to The Sun, Bain has now decided to bow out - just days after the departure of his on-screen dad - and consequently will be written out in an "explosive" storyline this summer.

A source told the newspaper: "Alex is sad to be leaving Coronation Street because it really is like a family - but he realises that the time is right to move on.

"He's very excited about the future and other opportunities."

The news comes after it emerged that Lisa George will also be leaving the show after playing Beth Tinker for the last 13 years.