Simon Barlow

Simon Barlow
Alex Bain as Simon Barlow (2015)
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	Jake and Oscar Hartley (2003) Alex Bain (2008–)
Duration	2003, 2008–
First appearance	6 July 2003
Introduced by	Kieran Roberts (2003) Kim Crowther (2008)
Classification	Present; recurring
Profile
Occupation	Student
Home	18a Victoria Street
Father Peter Barlow Mother Lucy Barlow Adoptive mother Leanne Battersby Stepfather Nick Tilsley (2013–14) Stepmother Carla Connor (2013–14) Half-brothers Oliver (adoptive) Grandfathers Ken Barlow George Wilson Grandmothers Valerie Barlow Deirdre Barlow (step) Uncles Lawrence Cunningham Daniel Osbourne Aunts Susan Barlow Tracy Barlow (adoptive) First cousins James Cunningham Chloe Cunningham Adam Barlow Amy Barlow (adoptive)

Simon John Barlow is a fictional character from the ITV soap opera Coronation Street, 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 (Katy Carmichael), the adoptive son of Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) and the grandson of Ken Barlow (William Roache) and Deirdre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride). His storylines have included his mother's death, a custody battle between Peter and his maternal grandfather and a custody battle between Peter and Leanne and Simon physically abusing Leanne.

Simon is born in July 2003 to Lucy Richards (Katy Carmichael), who had already split up with Simon's father Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne). On learning that he had married his girlfriend, Shelley, 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, then, in front of pub regulars, announced she and Simon were emigrating to Australia. Peter resigned himself to the fact that he would never know his son, and left the Street soon after.

Peter is given custody of Simon when Lucy died from ovarian cancer in 2008 and they move in with Peter's father, Ken Barlow (William Roache), Ken's wife Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride) and Deirdre's mother Blanche Hunt (Maggie Jones). Peter, at first reluctant to take an active role in raising his son, 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's shop and moves in there, with Simon. Peter drinking problem becomes evident when Peter comes to Simon's Nativity play, drunk and has a row with teaching staff. Simon stays with his grandparents until Peter agrees to stop drinking, but Peter passes out with a lit cigarette in his hand, and the flat caught fire. Luke Strong (Craig Kelly) and Tony Gordon (Gray O'Brien) 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.