Mollie Gallagher, the talented actress known for her role as Nina Lucas on Coronation Street, has made a bold move by leaving the iconic ITV soap to pursue new horizons. In an exclusive interview with Digital Spy, Gallagher reveals her reasons for this decision and her exciting new venture in the world of theatre.
A New Challenge and a Farewell
Gallagher's decision to leave Coronation Street was not an easy one, as she deeply loved her character, Nina, and the show itself. She explains, "I love Corrie so much. I love everyone there and I love Nina, too. When I graduated from drama school and got the audition for Corrie, I thought that Nina was a dream character for me to play." Her passion for the role was evident, but she also recognized the importance of challenging herself as an actor.
The opportunity to star in the UK tour of The Silence of the Lambs presented itself, and Gallagher seized it. She describes the role as "completely different" from her soap experience, and she embraces the challenge of theatre, saying, "As an actor, you do want to challenge yourself by trying new things." This new venture is a significant step in her career, marking her professional theatre debut.
A Unique Character and a Fulfilling Journey
Nina Lucas, with her distinctive goth look and complex personality, has become a fan favorite. Gallagher acknowledges the character's uniqueness and the potential for further exploration. She states, "Nina is such a unique character and I think there's so much to do with her." This sentiment reflects her desire to delve deeper into Nina's artistic talents and her relationship with Roy, played by David Neilson.
The actress's decision to leave Coronation Street is not a permanent goodbye. She expresses her hope to return to the show one day, stating, "I hope that it isn't the end." This sentiment highlights the complex emotions that come with leaving a beloved role, but also the excitement of embarking on a new adventure.
Theatre: A Passionate Pursuit
Gallagher's love for theatre is evident in her choice of project. She explains, "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 role of Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs is a dream come true for her, especially given her admiration for the film and its psychological thriller elements.
The production, adapted from Thomas Harris's novel, offers a unique challenge. Gallagher notes the differences from the film but emphasizes the importance of boldness on stage. She says, "You have to be bold on stage. You have to really embody that physical side and that's where the character's voice becomes so important."
Collaborating with Familiar Faces
Working with familiar soap faces, John Partridge and Oliver Farnworth, adds an intriguing dynamic to the production. Gallagher mentions their professionalism and the joy of learning from experienced actors. She says, "They're brilliant actors as well. It's nice to learn from them and get some advice."
The long run of the play, almost a year, presents an exciting opportunity for growth and development. Gallagher embraces the challenge, stating, "An actor's goal is to constantly develop – it's really important."
A Smooth Transition
The transition from soap to stage has been a swift one, and Gallagher acknowledges the challenges of leaving a beloved role behind. She explains, "When people leave the show, they make the decision for different reasons." Her dedication to Nina and her desire to explore new avenues in her career are the driving forces behind this decision.
A Message to Fans
Gallagher's final message to Coronation Street fans is heartfelt. She expresses her gratitude for their support, stating, "Without the fans there's no show, is there?" Her appreciation for their messages and the confidence they provide is evident. She concludes, "I read the messages and it makes me smile. It gives me confidence, so thank you to everybody who's been so supportive."
As Nina Lucas says goodbye to Weatherfield, she embarks on a new journey, leaving fans with a sense of anticipation for her future endeavors.
