Coronation Street star Nathan Graham has bid goodbye to the soap as his exit scenes aired tonight.
The ITV soap returned for the first of its three episodes this week, with it ending on a sad note as James Bailey departed the Cobbles for a new job in London. James was forced to retire from playing football after a heart attack.
Before, he had been playing for Weatherfield County but had to step back after his health woes. He has now decided to turn to coaching kids about football and is heading down south for a new adventure away from his family.
Speaking about leaving the show, he said: "It was emotional and I did fill up. I am so close to my on screen family so I know I will see them all again but that was my last time being part of the on screen Bailey family.
"There were a lot of similarities between James’ departure and my own, he is sad to be going but is excited about his future and so am I. James’ family are upset he is leaving but can see this is an exciting new chapter for him so they are pleased for him and that was the same with Trevor, Lorna, Ryan, Vinta and Channique so it felt very real."
He filmed his final scene a few weeks before he wrapped on the soap, and he admits it was hard having to say goodbye twice.
"It was strange as my actual final scene of James leaving was filmed a few weeks before I finished filming so I had James’ departure which was emotional and then a couple of weeks later my own final moments so it was a bit of a double whammy really. It felt like I got to say goodbye twice," he shared of his final scenes.
Actor Nathan explained how he "hadn't put a time frame" when he initially signed up to the show, but he knows him leaving at this time is the "right decision" for him despite the "risks" he's taking.
"I hadn't put a time frame on it no, I am the sort of person who lives in the moment and goes with what feels right. When it came to my decision to leave I mean it was very difficult, it was a tough thing to decide, obviously for various reasons. Going from a place of security to not know what is next is scary and a risk," he added.
"But then also it was just the right decision and it felt right. I had a good chat with Iain MacLeod and he understood my decision. I have had some great storylines and I did wonder where the character could go next so I felt it was time to go and do something different for me. At this moment in time I only have myself to think of and that is the time to step out of your comfort zone. Once you are settled down with responsibilities and a family to think of it isn't as easy to make that leap."
