This week, the character is supposed to leave the cobbles.
This week, James Bailey, a former professional footballer, will bid the cobbles of Coronation Street farewell as he heads to London to start a new career as a coach.
After three years on the ITV soap opera, actor Nathan Graham has recently confirmed that he has left his role. Thanks to his uncle Ronnie (Vinta Morgan), James’ alter ego learns of a job opportunity.
James is thrilled to learn that the location is close to where his boyfriend Danny Tomlinson (Dylan Brady) lives.
James will soon say goodbye to his family, friends, and neighbors as he embarks on a new life. It’s a touching way to close a chapter that saw James deal with racism when he and his brother Michael (Ryan Russell) were wrongfully arrested as well as homophobia as he disclosed his sexual orientation.
But why exactly is Graham, the show’s star, leaving? Read on to learn everything you need to know as he discusses his departure for the first time.
Why is Nathan Graham leaving Coronation Street?
Graham admitted that he is only saying goodbye to James because it feels like the right time. He said, “I am the kind of person who lives in the moment and follows what feels right.
“It was a difficult decision to make when it came to my decision to leave, obviously for a variety of reasons. It is frightening and risky to leave a place of security and not know what will happen next. However, it also felt right and was the right choice.
Iain MacLeod and I had a good conversation, and he respected my choice. I’ve had some really good storylines, and I did wonder where the character might go next, so I decided it was time for me to move on and try something new.
“At this time, all I have to think about is myself, so now is the perfect opportunity to push yourself.” Making that leap is more difficult once you have responsibilities and a family to consider.
The actor added that the parallel between his own decision to move on and James’ in his final scenes felt rather symbolic.
There were many parallels between James’ departure and mine; both of us are happy about our futures but sad to be leaving.
James’ family is saddened by his departure, but they are happy for him because this is a new chapter for him. Trevor, Lorna, Ryan, Vinta, and Channique felt the same way, so it seemed very real.
Graham is content, though, that James has left the door open to come back at some point. He pointed out that they could have killed him by causing him to have a heart attack.
“I was well aware that once you’ve made the decision to leave, it’s out of your hands, and they can make the character leave however they see fit. Therefore, I was happy to learn that James had a happy ending, and it’s nice to know that I might return in the future to visit the family.
Graham responded when asked what he would do next, “I am just going to take things as they come and roll with the punches. Even though it may sound cliche, I truly believe that if you work hard enough, your efforts will eventually pay off.
I am a big believer in what is meant for you won’t pass you by. I will keep my foot on the gas and see what happens. You come into this career to play different characters, that’s the exciting thing about it. It can be a difficult process and I understand all that. I think it’s just knowing it’s a journey. It’s a process.
James will depart Weatherfield tonight (Monday, October 3), at 8 p.m., to begin a new chapter.
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