Simon Barlow is a fictional character from the
British
British may refer to:
Peoples, culture, and language
* British people, nationals or natives of the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories, and Crown Dependencies.
** Britishness, the British identity and common culture
* British English, ...
ITV
ITV or iTV may refer to:
ITV
*Independent Television (ITV), a British television network, consisting of:
** ITV (TV network), a free-to-air national commercial television network covering the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islan ...
soap opera
A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap opera" originated from radio dramas originally being sponsored ...
''
Coronation Street
''Coronation Street'' is an English soap opera created by Granada Television and shown on ITV since 9 December 1960. The programme centres around a cobbled, terraced street in Weatherfield, a fictional town based on inner-city Salford.
Origi ...
'' and has been played by
Alex Bain since 2008. The character was originally played by twins, Jake and Oscar Hartley, on his birth in 2003. Simon is the son of
Peter Barlow (
Chris Gascoyne) and
Lucy Richards
The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the ITV soap opera '' Coronation Street'' in 2002, by order of first appearance.
Hazel Wilding
Hazel Wilding first appears on 23 January 2002 when cab driver Vikram Desai (Chri ...
(
Katy Carmichael
Katy Jane Carmichael (born 5 March 1970) is an English actress, director and producer. She is most known for her roles Twist Morgan in the Channel 4 sitcom ''Spaced'', Lucy Barlow in the ITV (TV network), ITV soap ''Coronation Street'', and Mel ...
), the adoptive son of
Leanne Battersby
Leanne Battersby (also Tilsley and Barlow) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Jane Danson. It was announced in February 1997 that a "family from hell" would be introduced to ''Coronation S ...
(
Jane Danson
Jane Danson (born Jane Elizabeth Dawson, 8 November 1978) is an English actress. She is known for her portrayal of Leanne Battersby in the ITV soap opera, '' Coronation Street'', between 1997 and 2000, and from 2004 onwards. Her other television ...
) and the grandson of
Ken Barlow
Ken Barlow is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera '' Coronation Street'', played by William Roache. He was created by Tony Warren as one of ''Coronation Street''s original characters and December 2020 marked Ken's 60th anni ...
(
William Roache
William Patrick Roache (born 25 April 1932) is an English actor. He is best known for playing Ken Barlow in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' since it was first broadcast on 9 December 1960. He is listed in the ''Guinness World Records ...
). His storylines have included his mother's death, a custody battle between Peter and his maternal grandfather, a custody battle between Peter and Leanne,
physically abusing Leanne, and dealing drugs.
Storylines
Simon is born in July 2003 to
Lucy Richards
The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the ITV soap opera '' Coronation Street'' in 2002, by order of first appearance.
Hazel Wilding
Hazel Wilding first appears on 23 January 2002 when cab driver Vikram Desai (Chri ...
(
Katy Carmichael
Katy Jane Carmichael (born 5 March 1970) is an English actress, director and producer. She is most known for her roles Twist Morgan in the Channel 4 sitcom ''Spaced'', Lucy Barlow in the ITV (TV network), ITV soap ''Coronation Street'', and Mel ...
), who had already split up with Simon's father
Peter Barlow (
Chris Gascoyne). On learning that he had married his girlfriend,
Shelley Unwin
Shelley Unwin (also Barlow) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Sally Lindsay. She is the daughter of Bev Unwin (Susie Blake).
Shelley's storylines included a bigamous marriage to Peter Bar ...
(
Sally Lindsay
Sally Jane Lindsay (born 8 July 1973) is an English actress and television presenter known for her roles as Shelley Unwin in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', Lisa Johnson in the Sky One comedy series '' Mount Pleasant'' an ...
), when they had married first - she told Shelley that her marriage was illegal. In revenge, Lucy tricked Peter into thinking they had a future together by moving Spain for a fresh start, then, in front of pub regulars, announced she and Simon were emigrating to Australia to get away from Peter. He then raced to the airport and caught up with them to try and stop Lucy from boarding the plane however Peter’s father,
Ken Barlow
Ken Barlow is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera '' Coronation Street'', played by William Roache. He was created by Tony Warren as one of ''Coronation Street''s original characters and December 2020 marked Ken's 60th anni ...
(
William Roache
William Patrick Roache (born 25 April 1932) is an English actor. He is best known for playing Ken Barlow in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' since it was first broadcast on 9 December 1960. He is listed in the ''Guinness World Records ...
) stopped him from trying to take Simon knowing that Lucy would tell the police about his bigamy. Peter resigned himself to the fact that he would never know Simon and left Weatherfield soon after.
Peter is awarded custody of Simon when Lucy dies from
ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is a cancerous tumor of an ovary. It may originate from the ovary itself or more commonly from communicating nearby structures such as fallopian tubes or the inner lining of the abdomen. The ovary is made up of three different c ...
in October 2008 and they move in with Ken, his wife
Deirdre Barlow
Deirdre Anne Barlow (also Hunt, Langton and Rachid) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Anne Kirkbride. She made her first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 20 November 1972 ...
(
Anne Kirkbride
Anne Kirkbride (21 June 1954 – 19 January 2015) was an English actress, best known for her long-running role as Deirdre Barlow in the ITV (TV network), ITV soap ''Coronation Street'', which she played for 42 years from 1972 to 2014. For this ...
) and her mother
Blanche Hunt
Blanche Hunt (also Linfield) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera '' Coronation Street''. She was originally played by Patricia Cutts; however, the actress died by suicide after appearing in just two episodes in August 1974. ...
(
Maggie Jones). Peter, at first reluctant to take an active role in raising Simon, changes his mind when he found out that Lucy had left her estate to him, on the condition that he raises Simon. Peter buys the local
bookmaker
A bookmaker, bookie, or turf accountant is an organization or a person that accepts and pays off bets on sporting and other events at agreed-upon odds.
History
The first bookmaker, Ogden, stood at Newmarket in 1795.
Range of events
Bookma ...
's shop and moves in there with Simon. Peter's drinking problem becomes evident when he comes to Simon's Nativity play, drunk and has a row with teaching staff in December 2008. Simon stays with Ken, Deirdre and Blanche until Peter agrees to stop drinking, but in March 2009, Peter passes out with a lit cigarette in his hand, and the flat caught fire.
Luke Strong (
Craig Kelly
Craig Kelly (born 29 September 1963) is an Australian politician, who represented the Division of Hughes as a Liberal Party and later United Australia Party MP from 2010 to his defeat at the 2022 Australian federal election.
Kelly initially ...
) and
Tony Gordon
Tony Gordon is a Character (arts), fictional character from the Television in the United Kingdom, British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', portrayed by actor Gray O'Brien. The character first appeared on-screen on 16 Sep ...
(
Gray O'Brien
Gray O'Brien (born Gerard O'Brien, 11 August 1968) is a Scottish television and film actor, best known for his portrayal of the villainous Weatherfield businessman Tony Gordon in the popular ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' from 2007–2010 ...
) break the door down, after Deirdre alerts them as Simon had telephoned her before he passed out due to smoke inhalation. Peter and Simon are rushed to hospital and made a full recovery. Peter vows once more to give up alcohol.
Learning that he had a grandson, Peter is surprised to meet Lucy's father,
George Wilson (
Anthony Valentine
Anthony Valentine (17 August 1939 – 2 December 2015) was an English actor best known for his television roles: the ruthless Toby Meres in ''Callan'' (1967–72), the sadistic Major Horst Mohn in ''Colditz'' (1972–74), Bob in Tales of the Un ...
) in November 2009. He had separated from Lucy's mother when she was very young and their relationship had suffered. George is determined not to make the same mistake with Simon and Peter's girlfriend
Leanne Battersby
Leanne Battersby (also Tilsley and Barlow) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Jane Danson. It was announced in February 1997 that a "family from hell" would be introduced to ''Coronation S ...
(
Jane Danson
Jane Danson (born Jane Elizabeth Dawson, 8 November 1978) is an English actress. She is known for her portrayal of Leanne Battersby in the ITV soap opera, '' Coronation Street'', between 1997 and 2000, and from 2004 onwards. Her other television ...
) persuades Peter to allow George and his partner, Eve, access. George also invests in the bar that Peter and Leanne intended to open but Ken's worst fears come true when Peter falls off the wagon again and George wins interim custody of Simon in February 2010. In March 2010, while on holiday in
Blackpool
Blackpool is a seaside resort in Lancashire, England. Located on the North West England, northwest coast of England, it is the main settlement within the Borough of Blackpool, borough also called Blackpool. The town is by the Irish Sea, betw ...
, Simon runs away after hearing George telling Eve that he intends to take Simon down to Kent to live and he makes his way home alone, scaring everyone in the process. While Peter and Leanne are proud that Simon travelled all that way alone, they made sure he knew that was very wrong. Simon is devastated when Blanche died in May 2010. In August 2010, Simon had a fight with
Aadi Alahan
The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' in 2006, by order of first appearance.
Aadi Alahan
Aadi Alahan, who first appears on 13 January 2006, is introduced alongside his twin siste ...
(Zennon Ditchett) while playing a game and Aadi hits his head on a table, leading him to be rushed to hospital when he fell unconscious. Simon does not tell anyone and feels guilty over the incident, while Aadi's parents
Dev (
Jimmi Harkishin
James "Jimmi" Harkishin (born Rajan Harkishindas; 19 March 1965) is an English actor best known for his role as shopkeeper Dev Alahan in ''Coronation Street'', which he has played continuously since 10 November 1999. He also played Ranjit in th ...
) and
Sunita Alahan
Sunita Alahan (also Parekh) was a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Shobna Gulati. She made her first screen appearance on 23 March 2001 and remained in the show until 2006, when the character w ...
(
Shobna Gulati
Shobna Gulati (born 7 August 1966)[www.shobnagulati.co.uk](_blank)
Shobna Gulati official website is an English ...
) accuse
Claire Peacock
Claire Jane Peacock (also Casey) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Portrayed by Julia Haworth, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 9 April 2003, as the new nanny of es ...
(
Julia Haworth
Julia Haworth is an English actress. She is known for playing the role of Claire Peacock in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' from 2003 to 2011.
Early and personal life
Haworth was born in Burnley, Lancashire. She attended St Christophe ...
) of negligence. Simon revealed the truth about Aadi's injury after Peter questions him about his erratic behaviour. Peter tells Dev and Sunita the facts, clearing Claire's name.
In December 2010, Peter is in the Joinery bar when it exploded, causing part of the viaduct to collapse and a tram comes off the viaduct, crashing into the Corner Shop and The Kabin: the results of the destruction brought down a power line (plunging the street into darkness in the process), destroyed the post box and set No.13 on fire. Simon is found at home and rescued by
Jason Grimshaw
Jason Grimshaw is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Portrayed by Ryan Thomas, the character first appeared on screen on 25 December 2000. It was announced in October 2015 that Thomas had quit the role ...
(
Ryan Thomas
Ryan may refer to:
People and fictional characters
*Ryan (given name), a given name (including a list of people with the name)
*Ryan (surname), a surname (including a list of people with the name)
Places Australia
* Division of Ryan, an elector ...
). He is devastated to find Peter on his death-bed, but relieved when Peter pulled through; his severe injuries left Peter temporarily unable to walk. Simon is thrilled when Peter and Leanne renew their vows in February 2011. In June 2011, Simon meets
Stella Price
Stella Price is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Michelle Collins. Collins' casting was announced in April 2011 and she began filming her scenes in May. The actress commuted from north Londo ...
(
Michelle Collins
Michelle Danielle Collins (born 28 May 1962) is an English actress and TV presenter, best known for her roles in the British soap operas ''EastEnders'' and ''Coronation Street''.
Collins played Cindy Beale in the BBC soap ''EastEnders'' from ...
), her boyfriend
Karl Munro
Karl Munro is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by John Michie. Michie's casting was announced in April 2011. He signed an initial one-year contract and began filming his scenes in May. Upon jo ...
(
John Michie
John Michie (born 25 October 1956) is a Scottish television and film actor, known for his roles as DI Robbie Ross in the STV detective drama series ''Taggart'', as Karl Munro in ''Coronation Street'' from 2011–2013 and his role as CEO Guy S ...
) and her daughter
Eva Price
Eva Price is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Catherine Tyldesley, her character and casting was announced in May 2011 and she made her first appearance on screen on 17 June 2011. Eva was intr ...
(
Catherine Tyldesley
Catherine Tyldesley (born 17 September 1983) is an English actress, comedian and model known for her roles as Iris Moss in the BBC drama ''Lilies'', Eva Price on the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' from 2011 to 2018 and Karen Norris in BBC ...
). Stella is revealed to be Leanne's biological mother at Leanne's 30th birthday in July 2011. Simon is impressed and Stella later gets him a
Nintendo DS
The is a handheld game console produced by Nintendo, released globally across 2004 and 2005. The DS, an initialism for "Developers' System" or "Dual Screen", introduced distinctive new features to handheld games: two LCD screens working in tan ...
game for his birthday. He also finds out that Leanne is pregnant with Peter’s baby but miscarries after a fall from the stairs. Just before Christmas 2011, Peter begins a clandestine affair with
Carla Connor
Carla Barlow (also Connor and Gordon) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Alison King. She made her first appearance on screen during the episode airing on 1 December 2006 and introduced as ...
(
Alison King
Alison Rosamund King (born 3 March 1973) is an English actress and model. She is known for her roles as Lynda Block in the Sky One drama series ''Dream Team'' (1998–2003, 2005–2007), and Carla Connor in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Cor ...
), and Simon is devastated when Leanne, learning the truth, leaves the Street in February 2012. Simon gives Carla a frosty reception when she moves in, insisting that he wants Leanne back and spends as much time as he could at Ken and Deirdre's house. Peter, however, does everything he can to make Simon spend more time with Carla, in the hope that Simon will warm to her. However, in July 2012, Peter allows Simon to go and live with Leanne, and Peter and Carla leave the country as Peter took an opportunity to sail a yacht from Southampton down to
Lanzarote
Lanzarote (, , ) is a Spanish island, the easternmost of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. It is located approximately off the north coast of Africa and from the Iberian Peninsula. Covering , Lanzarote is the fourth-largest of the i ...
in the
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands (; es, Canarias, ), also known informally as the Canaries, are a Spanish autonomous community and archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, in Macaronesia. At their closest point to the African mainland, they are west of Morocc ...
.
Simon lives with Leanne and her boyfriend
Nick Tilsley
Nick Tilsley (also Platt) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. He was born off screen during an episode broadcast on 31 December 1980, but made his first appearance on 5 January 1981. He was played by ...
(
Ben Price
Ben Price (born 30 June 1972) is a British actor, director and writer. He has played the role of Nick Tilsley in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' and has made four films as a writer/director, the first of which, ''I'm Sorry To Tell You' ...
) until Peter and Carla return unexpectedly in December 2012, just as they are about to leave for Las Vegas, where Leanne and Nick plan to get married but Simon now refuses to leave as he wants to see Peter, so they stay. Carla is unhappy as they had only planned to stay in Weatherfield for a couple of days but Peter can't bring himself to leave Simon again so Carla returns to Los Angeles alone. Leanne and Nick reschedule their marriage for Christmas Day 2012 but after what Peter said on her hen night, Leanne visits Peter and suggests they get back together but Carla has returned and is having none of it! She runs back to the car and plans to marry Nick but before she can say "I do", Eva proclaims what Leanne had done that morning and Nick refuses to go through with the wedding. Simon is devastated and blames Carla. In August 2013, Simon is upset when Peter and Carla tell him that Nick is in hospital, after a car accident that left him in a coma and sustaining brain injuries. They take him to visit Nick. Simon is concerned when Nick has mood swings from his brain injury. After Nick is discharged from hospital, he gets into confusion and picks Simon up from school early, without anyone knowing. He even shouts at him whilst helping him with his homework. Leanne sends Simon to stay with Peter until Nick recovers. Simon befriends
Faye Windass
Faye Windass (also Butler) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera '' Coronation Street'', portrayed by Ellie Leach. She was introduced as a potential adoptive child for Anna (Debbie Rush) and Eddie Windass (Steve Huison) in ...
(
Ellie Leach
Ellie Louise Leach (born 15 March 2001) is an English actress who portrays the role of Faye Windass on the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street.''
Early and personal life
Leach was born in Bury, Greater Manchester and she has a younger sister, D ...
) and
Grace Piper
''Coronation Street'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on Friday 9 December 1960. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in 2013, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by series producer, Phil Col ...
(Ella-Grace Gregoire), and they get him to shoplift at Dev’s shop. He is caught stealing some supplies by Dev and
Mary Taylor and is taken home by Leanne. In November 2013, Simon later fell victim of a
happy slapping
Happy slapping was a fad originating in the United Kingdom around 2005, in which one or more people attack a victim for the purpose of recording the assault (commonly with a camera phone or a smartphone). Though the term usually refers to relativ ...
attack, orchestrated by Faye and Grace. He was beaten, forced into a dress and then had
lipstick
Lipstick is a cosmetic product used to apply coloration and texture to lips, often made of wax and oil. Different pigments are used to produce color, and minerals such as silica may be used to provide texture. The use of lipstick dates back to ...
forced over his face. He is later delighted when Peter and Carla hire
Tina McIntyre
Tina McIntyre is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Portrayed by Michelle Keegan, the character first appeared on-screen during the episode that was shown 7 January 2008. The character was central to man ...
(
Michelle Keegan
Michelle Elizabeth Keegan (born 3 June 1987) is an English actress, known for her roles as Tina McIntyre in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' and Sergeant Georgie Lane in the BBC drama series ''Our Girl''. Keegan also starred as Tracy S ...
) as Simon's nanny. Simon confides in Tina about the happy slapping attack, which later leads to Faye and Grace being questioned by the police. Unknown to Carla or Simon, Peter begins an affair with Tina, which is not revealed until May 2014.
In June 2014, Carla's brother,
Rob Donovan
Rob Donovan is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera '' Coronation Street'', portrayed by Marc Baylis He was introduced as the brother of Carla Connor (Alison King). He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadc ...
, (
Marc Baylis
Marc Baylis (born 3 April 1978) is a British stage, television and film actor. He trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, where he was awarded the Stage Scholarship. He is best known for his role as Rob Donovan in '' Coronation Street'' f ...
) confronts Tina and attacks her in her own home, leading to an argument on the balcony of her flat. After a scuffle, Rob pushes Tina away, causing her to lose her balance and plummet onto the cobbles below. Tina survives the fall, but Rob later beats her with a metal pipe, when she threatens to tell the police that he tried to kill her. Tina later dies in hospital, devastating Simon, who believes that Peter murdered her. Peter's relationship with Simon thaws a little and he promises him that he did not kill Tina. However, in July 2014, Simon is even more devastated when Peter is arrested and charged on suspicion of killing Tina. When Ken returns from
Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...
in August 2014, he persuades Simon to go and visit Peter in prison. He agrees at first, but Rob, wanting Peter to plead guilty, asks Simon if he would like to go to
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is a zoo at Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire, England. Chester Zoo was opened in 1931 by George Mottershead and his family. It is one of the UK's largest zoos at . The zoo has a total land holding of approximately .
Chester Zoo is operate ...
, with him, his fiancée and Ken's daughter
Tracy Barlow
Tracy Lynette McDonald (also Barlow, Preston, Cropper and Langton) is a fictional character and a main antagonist from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. She was born on-screen during the episode broadcast on 24 January 1977. S ...
(
Kate Ford
Kate Ford (born 29 December 1976) is an English actress. She is known for her portrayal of Tracy Barlow in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (2002–2007, 2010–present).
Ford was born in Salford, Greater Manchester. She attended Quee ...
) and her daughter
Amy Barlow
Amy Barlow (also Patience Cropper and Amy McDonald) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', portrayed by Elle Mulvaney. She was born on screen during the episode broadcast on 9 February 2004. To date, th ...
(
Elle Mulvaney
Elle Jade Mulvaney (born 1 October 2002) is an English actress who has played the role of Amy Barlow in ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street
''Coronation Street'' is an English soap opera created by Granada Television and shown on ITV since ...
). Leanne eventually takes Simon to visit Peter, but he does not want anything to do with him, after discovering that he has been drinking. Simon is devastated when Peter ends up in hospital and eventually believes that he did not kill Tina.
Maddie Heath
''Coronation Street'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on Friday 9 December 1960. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in 2013, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by series producer, Phil Col ...
(
Amy James-Kelly
Amy James-Kelly (born 15 November 1995) is a British actress. She gained prominence through her role as Maddie Heath in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (2013–2015). She has since starred in the Netflix series ''Safe'' (2018) and t ...
) begins to babysit Simon and he also shares a bond with Deirdre's dog, Eccles. Amy starts bullying Simon over his attention. In September 2014, when Amy thinks that Eccles loves Simon more than she loves her, she tells Tracy that Eccles bit her. Tracy tells Deirdre that Eccles must be put down but Amy is later forced to tell the truth, horrifying Simon. When Rob and Tracy go on a week's holiday in
Swansea
Swansea (; cy, Abertawe ) is a coastal city and the second-largest city of Wales. It forms a principal area, officially known as the City and County of Swansea ( cy, links=no, Dinas a Sir Abertawe).
The city is the twenty-fifth largest in ...
, Amy's father,
Steve McDonald (
Simon Gregson
Simon Alan Gregory (born 2 October 1974), better known by his stage name, Simon Gregson, is an English actor. He is best known for his portrayal of Steve McDonald in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' since 1989. He has rece ...
), asks Ken to babysit Amy for the night, the same night that Deirdre had agreed to babysit Simon. When they arrive together, they immediately clash and when Simon unfolds the sofa into a bed, Amy sits on him. Deirdre, unable to cope with Amy's behaviour, sends her back to the Rovers, much to Simon's delight. In October 2014, Rob takes Simon to visit Tina’s grace and Simon is upset, believing that Peter killed Tina. Rob reveals to Simon that he didn’t kill Tina. When Peter is released from prison, he reunites with Simon. He later reveals that he is leaving to live in
Portsmouth
Portsmouth ( ) is a port and city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire in southern England. The city of Portsmouth has been a unitary authority since 1 April 1997 and is administered by Portsmouth City Council.
Portsmouth is the most dens ...
and makes peace with Simon before leaving in November 2014.
After the explosion at Victoria Court in May 2015, Simon is unaware that Leanne's partner,
Kal Nazir
'' Coronation Street'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on Friday 9 December 1960. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in 2013, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by series producer, Phil Co ...
(
Jimi Mistry
Jimi Mistry (born 1 January 1973) is a retired British actor. He is known for appearing in numerous films such as '' East Is East'' (1999), '' The Guru'' (2002), ''Ella Enchanted'' (2004), '' The Truth About Love'' (2005), '' Blood Diamond'' (2 ...
), has died after saving Amy from the fire. He learns Kal has died from Kal's mother,
Yasmeen Nazir
''Coronation Street'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 9 December 1960. The following is a list of characters that appeared in 2014, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by series producer Stuart Blackburn. Shar ...
(
Shelley King
Shelley King (born 25 September 1955) is a British actress, known for her roles as Jay Harper on the BBC drama series ''Angels'' and Yasmeen Nazir on the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''.
Early and personal life
King was born in Calcutta, I ...
) and Simon is devastated. In June 2015, when Leanne asks Simon to do a simple job while sorting out Kal's belongings with Kal's children,
Alya (
Sair Khan
Sair Khan (born 11 February 1988) is an English actress, known for playing the role of Alya Nazir in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' since 2014. In 2018, she competed in the ITV reality series '' I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!'' ...
) and
Zeedan (
Qasim Akhtar
Qasim Akhtar (born 8 June 1991) is an English actor, known for his roles as Chesney Karib in the Channel 4 comedy drama '' Shameless'' and Zeedan Nazir in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''.
Career
Akhtar appeared in ''Mischief Night'' in ...
), Simon refuses. Simon later storms out of the flat and when he returns, Leanne is annoyed that Simon has eaten and she asks him to wash up. When Leanne tries to talk to Simon about how she knows he has lost Lucy, Simon angrily points out she died and he throws a remote at Leanne. Leanne takes Simon to the Barlows house and when asked about the bruise, Leanne lies that it was caused by a cupboard door. Later, Simon apologises to Leanne and she apologises to him for what he's been through, but she warns him he can't do what he did again, no matter how angry he gets. The next day, Leanne and Simon go to
France
France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...
to visit Leanne's grandmother
Gloria Price
''Coronation Street'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 9 December 1960. The following is a list of characters that first appeared or will appear in 2012, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by series producer, ...
(
Sue Johnston
Susan Johnston OBE (née Wright; born 7 December 1943) is an English actress. She is known for portraying Sheila Grant in the Channel 4 soap opera ''Brookside'' (1982–1990), Barbara Royle in the BBC comedy ''The Royle Family'' (1998–2000, ...
) to forget about recent events. In July 2015, Simon is later given a shattering blow when he discovers that Deirdre died on the day of her birthday and homecoming party. Along with Leanne and Steve’s mother
Liz McDonald
Elizabeth 'Liz' McDonald (also Greenwood and Tomlin) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. She is portrayed by Beverley Callard. She made her first appearance on 27 October 1989. Callard opted to leave ...
(
Beverly Callard
Beverley Jane McEwan ('' née'' Moxon; previously Atkinson, Sowden and Callard; born 28 March 1957) is an English actress, known for her role as Liz McDonald in the long-running ITV soap opera '' Coronation Street'' and Flo Henshaw in ''Two Pi ...
), he is held hostage by Liz’s boyfriend
Dan Jones, and discovers Leanne’s past prostitution from Dan. He becomes angry and when Leanne tries to talk to him about it, he hits her broken wrist.
Simon's behaviour and attitude towards Leanne worsens. He kicks her leg and it causes a severe bleed in August 2015. Later, he shouts in Leanne's face, pushing her and thus beginning to scare her more. After Simon plays a game of football, Leanne says he and some of his friends can come to the Bistro for dinner. Simon's friend Kyle peer pressures him into stealing a bottle of vodka, from which Simon and his friends get drunk. Leanne takes Simon home and tries discussing issues, but he walks out. Another row leads to a physical altercation on both sides, Leanne pushes Simon away in self-defence, unfortunately, he cuts his arm as he falls to the ground. In September 2015, when Leanne and Simon argue again, Simon pushes Leanne against a table and she is later found unconscious by Dev and Mary and is taken to hospital, with Zeedan accompanying her. During this, Simon stays at Ken’s and is hidden by Amy. Leanne finally admits to Zeedan what Simon has been doing and Leanne decides to send Simon to stay with Peter in Portsmouth. When Simon returns in November 2015, his behaviour hasn't improved and he tells Eva about his time in Portsmouth and that Peter was too busy with his girlfriend. Eva informs Leanne and when Leanne tries to talk to Simon further about it, Simon storms out. Simon skips school and when Leanne returns home, she finds Simon in the flat with some friends causing chaos. Simon ignores Leanne and walks out and when he comes home, he locks himself in his bedroom. Leanne finally admits to Eva that Simon has been physically abusing her and she doesn't know how much more she can take. When graffiti is sprayed outside the Bistro, Leanne believes Simon is responsible and she later finds a can of red spray paint in his bag. When Leanne confronts Simon, he makes cruel remakes about her infertility and Leanne almost hits him. Leanne arranges for Simon to live with Ken and when Leanne drops Simon at Ken's, Simon tells Leanne that if she walks away, he will never speak to her again, but Leanne leaves him.
When Amy annoys Simon with her violin, he tries to take it from her. However, Ken catches them arguing and they come up with a solution. Simon ignores a text from Leanne, which makes Leanne believe she has lost Simon. Simon arrives home from school early and
Robert Preston (
Tristan Gemmill
Tristan John Gemmill (born 6 June 1967) is an English actor, most notable for his roles as Dr Adam Trueman on ''Casualty (TV series), Casualty'', and Robert Preston in ''Coronation Street''. He was educated at Holmewood House School, Royal Tunb ...
) talks to Simon in an attempt to understand how he is feeling. When Simon spots Leanne with Eva looking relaxed, he soon gets angry again. Simon and Amy are left alone at Ken's house and Simon ends up hurting Amy. Amy tells Ken and Tracy, who contact Leanne. Leanne is encouraged by Eva to admit Simon has been hurting her. Leanne has to take Simon home and the family agree to get Simon help. Leanne arranges for both her and Simon to see a counsellor, with Robert’s support. In February 2016, Leanne encourages Simon to do football trials and Simon is successful getting onto the team. On the day of his football match, Simon insists that Leanne doesn't come. However, she does and brings Ken and Zeedan. At the match, Leanne meets
Tom (
Daniel Casey
Daniel Casey (born 1 June 1972) is an English actor. He is best known for playing DS Gavin Troy, the original sidekick of DCI Tom Barnaby, for the first six seasons of the long-running television series ''Midsomer Murders''.
Early life
...
) again and Simon receives taunts off a teammate. Simon hurts Kyle and Leanne is horrified when Simon tells Zeedan he believes Kyle deserved it. After talking to both Ken and Zeedan about her fears, Leanne decides to report Simon to the police. Despite Simon claiming it was an accident, Leanne goes to the police and she is forced to reveal that Simon abused her. The following day, the police visit Simon and Simon is taken to the station with Ken. In the interview, Simon loses his temper and he is later released on bail pending an investigation. Simon refuses to go home with Leanne and decides to stay with Ken. Later, Leanne gets a visit from Tom, who shows them footage of the incident and Leanne realises Simon was telling the truth. Leanne apologises to Simon, but he refuses to forgive her and Simon contacts his dad. Leanne gives Simon the choice of staying with Peter during the half term and he decides to go.
In July 2016, after noticing Leanne has been feeling unwell, Simon confides in Amy about his fears that Leanne has cancer. Amy tries to reassure him, but he finds a message on Leanne's phone confirming a doctor's appointment. Simon goes to the medical centre and wants Leanne to tell him what is wrong. At home, Leanne tells him she is pregnant. Leanne avoids telling Simon about the baby's father and he buys a baby grow. Leanne reassures Simon that he is her first child and she won't love him any less. In August 2016, Leanne decides to move to Liverpool with Simon. Simon takes a set of tickets, forcing Leanne to buy more and he secretly phones Nick and Leanne admits she loves him. Nick arrives at the coach station, knowing about the baby and persuades Leanne to stay. Simon is thrilled when Leanne and Nick decide to move in together and when Nick says he is the father of Leanne's baby. In October 2016, Simon is upset when Peter fails to come and watch Simon collect an award, but is pleased when he returns. Simon finds out from Tracy that Peter caused Ken to collapse from a stroke after an argument. While visiting Ken in hospital, he is angry when Peter joins and Ken loses his temper at Simon. After talking with Simon, Peter makes up with him. In December 2016, Simon witnesses Peter kissing Leanne’s stepsister,
Toyah Battersby
Toyah Habeeb (also Battersby) is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Georgia Taylor. Toyah and her family were introduced to the serial by executive producer Brian Park in a bid to increase falling ...
(
Georgia Taylor
Georgia Taylor (born Claire Jackson; 26 February 1980) is an English actress. Her TV roles include Toyah Battersby in the ITV soap opera '' Coronation Street'' (1997–2003, 2016–present), Ruth Winters in the BBC One medical drama series ' ...
), with his new drone. When he is about to tell Leanne about the affair, Simon finds out that Leanne is hospital, due to a
migraine
Migraine (, ) is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent headaches. Typically, the associated headache affects one side of the head, is pulsating in nature, may be moderate to severe in intensity, and could last from a few hou ...
from Peter and Toyah. In January 2017, Peter leaves cigarettes at Leanne's flat and Toyah attempts to take the blame, but Simon is forced to cover for her. Simon confides in Eva about Peter and Toyah's relationship. When Leanne finds out about Toyah and Peter, and that Eva knew, she disowns them and when they attempt to apologise, Simon warns them Leanne's blood pressure is too high. Peter allows Simon to go to a party, but his family struggle to get hold of him and he is returned home by the police after the group split and his phone died. In February 2017, Leanne gives birth to a son
Oliver. She tells Simon that Steve is Oliver’s father, leaving him ashamed. He tells Steve about Leanne registering Oliver, leading Steve to see her in the registry office. In March 2017, when Ken is found unconscious at the bottom of the stairs, the police believe he was pushed and the family are made suspects. Simon's mobile phone is confiscated by his teacher, but Peter gets it back and smashes it. In April 2017, Simon buys a new one and he finds a voice message from Peter, explaining that he has done a bad thing and needs to leave. Leanne and Nick take the mobile phone to the police. In May 2017, Leanne decides to get Peter, Nick and Steve to make up caused by the revelation that Steve is Oliver’s father and they bring Simon to the beach after he missed out on a trip. Simon is annoyed when Peter and Nick argue. Nick leaves Weatherfield in June 2017 and sells the flat, so Simon moves in with Peter and Toyah whilst Leanne and Oliver move in with Steve.
In October 2017, Simon attempts to force
Summer Spellman (Matilda Freeman), who has been placed into the care of
Billy Mayhew
''Coronation Street'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 9 December 1960. The following is a list of characters that appeared in 2014, by order of first appearance. All characters were introduced by series producer Stuart Blackburn. Shar ...
(
Daniel Brocklebank
Daniel Brocklebank (born 21 December 1979) is a British actor, best known for portraying the roles of Ivan Jones in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' (2005–2006), and Billy Mayhew in ITV's other long-running soap ''Coronation Street'' (2014†...
) and
Todd Grimshaw
Todd Grimshaw is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Coronation Street'', formerly played by Bruno Langley from 2001 to 2017, and now played by Gareth Pierce. The character's debut was broadcast on 14 January 2001. He was introd ...
(
Bruno Langley
Bruno Langley (born 21 March 1983) is an English former actor. He is known for his roles as Darren Michaels and Todd Grimshaw in ''Coronation Street'' (2001–2004, 2007, 2011, 2013–2017) and Adam Mitchell in ''Doctor Who'' (2005).
In Octob ...
), to smoke cigarettes that he found, but Summer takes them for herself and smokes them when she is emotional. Summer is found unconscious by Amy and Simon and is taken to hospital, where it turns out she smoked spice and Billy and Todd make amends. Peter and Toyah find out from the children that Simon had the cigarette. Billy is furious about what Simon did and when Peter blames Billy and Todd's arguments for Summer's actions, Billy beats Peter up. Simon overhears Billy and Peter talk about the attack and when social services are left satisfied with their visit to Summer, Billy and Todd, Simon tells them what Billy did. The social worker tells Billy and Todd that it will threaten the adoption. In January 2018, Simon tricks Leanne, Eva, and Toyah into giving him money for false reasons to buy headphones to block out the noise made by them all. Simon is expelled from school and placed in a pupil referral unit, which angers Peter and Leanne. Simon begins misbehaving and rebelling. In March 2018, he hangs around with a group of boys and they mug
Audrey Roberts
Audrey Roberts (also Potter) is a fictional character from the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Sue Nicholls. Audrey made her first appearance on 16 April 1979 and appeared on a recurring basis for three years until April 1982. ...
(
Sue Nicholls
Susan Frances Harmar Nicholls (born 23 November 1943) is an English actress, known for her roles on British television in ''Crossroads'' (1964–1968), ''The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin'' (1976–1979) and, ''Rentaghost'' (1981–1984), a ...
), who is pushed to the floor by gang member
Tyler Jefferies (Will Barnett) and is rushed to hospital.
Roy Cropper
Roy Cropper is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by David Neilson. He first appeared on-screen on 19 July 1995. Originally a secondary character, he was given a more prominent role in 1997, by t ...
(
David Neilson
David Neilson (born 13 March 1949) is an English actor. He is best known for his role as cafe owner Roy Cropper in the long running ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', which he has played since 1995.
Early life
Neilson was born in Loughbor ...
), who saw the incident, tells Leanne and Peter that Simon was one of the attackers and Peter confronts Simon, who is worried that the police will be involved. He apologises to Audrey and Roy at the hospital. When Carla catches Simon with the gang and confronts them, she takes Simon to the Underworld factory. Simon is offered an IT job at Underworld. Leanne and Peter are pleased that Simon is behaving well and see him looking after
Hope Stape
The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' in 2010, by order of first appearance.
Trevor Dean
Enid Crump
Enid Crump, played by June Broughton, arrives on the Street to confront Be ...
(Isabella Flanagan) and
Ruby Dobbs (Macy Alabi) after the couple, Ruby's father
Tyrone Dobbs
Tyrone Dobbs is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Portrayed by Alan Halsall, the character first appeared on screen during the episode airing on 30 November 1998 and is still a cast member over 20 year ...
(
Alan Halsall
Alan David Halsall (born 11 August 1982) is an English actor, best known for portraying the role of Tyrone Dobbs in ''Coronation Street'', a role he has played since 1998.
Early life
Halsall was brought up in Walkden, Salford and attended Walk ...
) and Hope's mother
Fiz Stape (
Jennie McAlpine
Jennie Elizabeth McAlpine (born 12 February 1984) is an English television actress, comedian and businesswoman. She is known for her role as Fiz Brown in the ITV soap opera '' Coronation Street''. She also took part in the seventeenth series of ...
) row. That night, Simon hangs around with the gang again and force him to smash the car window, before he runs off with the gang.
In April 2018, Simon steals money from Toyah's purse and overhears a pregnant Eva and Toyah's deal about wanting Eva's baby. Peter and Leanne find out about Toyah's stolen money and accuse Simon. Simon tells Toyah that he knows about the deal and blackmails her. Simon again hangs around with Tyler and they skip school together. Simon hacks Tyler's phone and messages Summer that Tyler wants to date her. Simon picks on Summer in front of Tyler, who realises that Simon went on his phone to message Summer. Toyah tells Peter that Simon is blackmailing her and Peter confronts Simon. When Toyah is about to go to a cottage, where Eva is to have her baby, she finds her car missing, which Simon and Tyler joyride on. Simon finds out that Toyah has rented a cottage for Eva. Toyah lies to Peter and Leanne that Simon has been helping her so they would not find out that Tyler and Simon have been joyriding. When Eva gives birth to a daughter
Susie
Susie is a female name that can be a diminutive form of Susan, Susanne, Suzanne, Susannah, Susanna or Susana.
Susie may refer to:
Songs
* "Susie Q" (song), a 1957 song by Dale Hawkins, covered by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1968)
*"Wake U ...
is born, Toyah shows her to Peter and Simon, via video call. Peter announces in the Rovers that Susie is born, leaving Simon frustrated. When Toyah returns with Susie, Peter asks her to marry him, which Simon is not happy about. Simon tells Leanne that he thinks that Toyah is having an affair and that she has rented a cottage. Toyah denies this to Leanne. When everyone finds out about the suicide of Susie's father
Aidan Connor
'' Coronation Street'' is a British soap opera first broadcast on 9 December 1960. The following is a list of characters that appeared in 2015, by order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by series producer Stuart Blackburn. Beth ...
(
Shayne Ward
Shayne Thomas Ward (born 16 October 1984) is an English actor and singer. He rose to fame as the winner of The X Factor (British series 2), the second series of ''The X Factor (British TV series), The X Factor''. His debut single, "That's M ...
), Peter tells Simon about opening up to people, which a tearful Eva overhears. In June 2018, Simon and the gang steal money from Roy’s cafe and they spend it on buying Simon a new jacket. Peter and Leanne take him to the police station, after discovering this. After not responding to the interview, he is discharged as there was no evidence because of this. The following day, Tyler and Simon get into a robbery in a flat and are caught by
Flora McArdle
Flora is all the plant life present in a particular region or time, generally the naturally occurring ( indigenous) native plants. Sometimes bacteria and fungi are also referred to as flora, as in the terms ''gut flora'' or ''skin flora''.
Et ...
, before Tyler throws an object at her, knocking her unconscious. He runs off whilst Simon stays with Flora. She reveals to the police about the incident, leading Simon to get arrested. At the police station, with Peter’s support, he reveals that Tyler got him into the two robberies. Tyler is charged and loses his temper at Simon, pinning him against the wall and scraping his hand on it. In July 2018, as punishment, Simon is offered a job at Roy’s cafe. He and Tyler apologise to each other for recent events. After Tyler poisons Eccles, Simon leaves with Ken to stay in
Cornwall
Cornwall (; kw, Kernow ) is a historic county and ceremonial county in South West England. It is recognised as one of the Celtic nations, and is the homeland of the Cornish people. Cornwall is bordered to the north and west by the Atlantic ...
, as Toyah offered.
When he returns in August 2018, he receives negative text messages from Tyler, who stalks him. Simon is almost kidnapped by two of Tyler’s friends, but is saved by Carla’s half-sister
Kate Connor. Tyler is later reported to the police. Peter takes Simon to Underworld to protect him, and he stays with Carla. When a pregnant
Sinead Tinker becomes ill, Carla takes her to her husband and Ken’s son Daniel Osbourne (Coronation Street), Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard), leaving Simon unattended. Tyler and his friends witness this and try to take Simon. Peter and Carla rush to save Simon whilst Tyler shoots Peter with a paint gun. Leanne is furious about Carla leaving Simon and warns Carla as Simon has refused to go to court for the incident from Tyler. Simon changes his mind about going to court. Following the court verdict, Tyler is sent to Youth Offenders.
In October 2018, Leanne is rushed to hospital after being struck by a car and is left in critical condition, sustaining major injuries. Nick returns and when Leanne recovers and is discharged, she finds out that Simon encouraged Nick to stay in Weatherfield as he had told him that Leanne still loves him. Nick and Leanne later get back together. After a meeting with school about careers, Simon decides to join the Navy, leaving Leanne furious and concerned. She doesn’t allow him to join up before he meets up with Gary Windass, who Nick and Leanne encourage him to talk to Simon. The following day, he is annoyed with Leanne before Nick talks to him about it. Carla orders Peter a boat as a surprise, and Peter decides to plan a holiday with Simon to travel on the boat.
In January 2019, Simon later discovers that Tyler has impregnated Amy. Steve and Tracy initially believe that Simon is the culprit upon finding a series of text messages where Simon appears overly concerned for Amy's well-being. Steve also sees Simon supporting Amy by hugging her. Tyler threatens Simon into pretending to be the baby’s father by pinning him against the wall and telling him he is too afraid of getting hurt by him. The following day, Simon makes Amy to go after Tyler after he tells her of what Tyler said to him, before Steve and Tracy find out that Tyler is the baby’s father.
In February 2019, Simon becomes involved in a boat fire. He is saved by Peter and is rushed to hospital, due to smoke inhalation.
In July 2020, following Oliver’s diagnosis of a mitochondrial disease, Simon overhears Steve and Leanne talking and Leanne stating that she will have nothing if Oliver dies, making Simon believe that Leanne doesn’t want him. He skips his exams before Leanne confronts him. He confides in Peter about what he heard and decides to stay with him in the Rovers, devastating Leanne. She encourages Simon to come home for hers and Oliver’s sake and also apologises to him.
In February 2021, Simon starts working at For Your Fries Only. His colleague Jacob Hay (Jack James Ryan) grooms him into drug dealing by allowing him to believe that he owed him £2000 after he staged a robbery. This leads to him doing dodgy jobs for him, including threatening to set a guy, who had apparently stole from them, on fire. It is witnessed by Sam Blakeman (Jude Riordan) which leads to his father Nick confronting Simon and telling him that he no longer wants him around Sam. Afterwards, Leanne discovers all of this and when Simon’s new boss Harvey Gaskell (Will Mellor) starts to threaten him, she takes over. Eventually, she has enough of it and reports him to the police. When she confesses this to him, he leads her to a vehicle where he was planning to kill her. However, armed police arrive on the scene and take Harvey into custody. After Leanne makes a police statement against Harvey, she decides to go into hiding out of fear, taking Simon and Nick with her.
On 30 April, Peter is called into hospital to receive a donor liver. He tries to make contact with Simon by calling him, meanwhile List of Coronation Street characters (1982), Sharon Gaskell (Tracie Bennett) arrives back to the street, and it is revealed that she is Harvey’s aunt, Sharon begins befriending Sam, and after informing Sam that Simon’s father is receiving a transplant, she convinces him to phone Nick to inform him of the news. Simon overhears Nick informing Leanne of Peters surgery, and he runs off to see his dad. Whilst visiting Peter in the hospital, the doctor reveals the liver is unviable. A man is then seen informing someone over the phone of Simon’s location, and when the pair are leaving, Peter overhears the man mention Simon’s surname and tells him to run, Peter is attacked while Simon successfully escapes back to Leanne and Nicks secret flat. Peter is then told that the attack makes him appear unstable and therefore likely not a candidate for a transplant. Sharon continues to find ways to track them down, eventually leading to Sam getting kidnapped. Nick returns to the street upon hearing the news and when Sam is safe, Nick enters a taxi whose driver is revealed to be working for Harvey. He warns Nick that if Simon and Leanne give evidence against Harvey, he would harm Sam.
Development
Reintroduction
The character of Simon was re-introduced in late 2008 when his on-screen father Peter Barlow (Coronation Street), Peter (
Chris Gascoyne) also returned to the soap. Peter had been given custody of his son after his mother Lucy Richards, Lucy (
Katy Carmichael
Katy Jane Carmichael (born 5 March 1970) is an English actress, director and producer. She is most known for her roles Twist Morgan in the Channel 4 sitcom ''Spaced'', Lucy Barlow in the ITV (TV network), ITV soap ''Coronation Street'', and Mel ...
) was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Both characters' returns saw them slowly develop a father-son relationship.
Domestic violence towards Leanne Battersby
In March 2015, it was announced that the character of Simon would be involved in a domestic abuse, with it being where Simon is the perpetrator and his mother Leanne would be the victim. Executive producer Kieran Roberts said "It's a really interesting story. It's come from character, as Simon is a child who has obviously been through a very difficult few years with the death of his mother, his dad’s alcoholism and then being passed around by the adults in his life. He's seen a lot of difficult things and he's got some more difficult things to go through this year in the next few months. I can't give much away, but there is at least one other major trauma that Simon is going to have to go through. I think it's fair to say that he’s going to come through all of this a little bit damaged. We’re going to explore how that impacts on his relationship with Leanne, and we're going to touch on this issue of domestic violence from a child against a parent."
Jane Danson, who plays Leanne Tilsley, said of the storyline in September 2015 that she had doubts when she heard about the domestic abuse plot "It's quite interesting. When they proposed this storyline, I was a bit concerned because I thought historically, as we've seen, Leanne's quite a strong character. I thought, 'She wouldn't take that from a child!' But the way it's been done is quite clever. He's a child who's been through so much with his dad, with the alcoholism, and he's lost so many people in his life. She's been the one constant, so she'll never give up on him. It's been really great to play out, because they've pretty much done it in real time. It's not just been two weeks of a storyline, they've played it out and we continue to play it out with what we're filming at the moment. It's been quite interesting to see a different side of Leanne as well."
In November 2015, it was announced that Simon would lash out at Amy at Christmas as part of the domestic abuse plot. A source said that "The Barlows are going to be central to Coronation Street in the run up to Christmas. The close-knit family will be put under extreme strain and viewers will be left wondering if they can get through the turmoil."
Reception
An article discussing young child actors published to ''The Guardian'' claimed that Bain's performance as a child actor in the role of Simon "seems to be the nation's favourite". It also described the character as "undeniably cute" and "wise beyond his years", with "great onscreen chemistry with his dad". The author opined that his father Peter Barlow (Coronation Street), Peter's breakup with Leanne Battersby, Leanne would have been "much more tedious" without Simon's performance.
The same article pointed out that Simon "has learned to be resourceful...he has survived a fire, a kidnapping, and has gone missing in Blackpool – from where he managed to make his way back to Weatherfield." It also stated that when Simon "joined forces" with Joshua Peacock, they made "a formidable team."
When the character of Simon ran away while in
Blackpool
Blackpool is a seaside resort in Lancashire, England. Located on the North West England, northwest coast of England, it is the main settlement within the Borough of Blackpool, borough also called Blackpool. The town is by the Irish Sea, betw ...
and later returned on his own to his father Peter Barlow (Coronation Street), Peter's doorstep, he said "Ah've been on two trains and a bendy bus...Nightmare. Don't suppose there's any chocolate milk going?". An article published to ''The Independent'' opined that it was "a line that sums up the sweet-and-sour storylines that have kept Coronation Street going for nigh on half a century: 50 years of chocolate milk and nightmares".
Bain won the "Best Young Performance" award in the British Soap Awards, British Soap Awards 2011 for his portrayal of Simon.
See also
*List of Coronation Street characters (2003), List of ''Coronation Street'' characters (2003)
*List of soap opera villains
References
External links
Simon Barlowat itv.com
{{DEFAULTSORT:Barlow, Simon
Coronation Street characters
Television characters introduced in 2003
Child characters in television
Teenage characters in television
Fictional domestic abusers
Fictional criminals in soap operas
Fictional gang members
Fictional drug dealers
Male villains
Male characters in television