Coronation Street's Alex Bain - known for playing Simon Barlow - has opened up about receiving online abuse from trolls.
After sitting his GCSEs Alex welcomed his daughter, Lydia-Rose, into the world at 17 years old, with his then girlfriend Levi. However shortly having their daughter the couple split and now the Corrie star has opened up about his experience with online trolling and how it affected his mental health.
"I had a situation when I was in school and it affected me. It affected me a lot more I think when I was getting older and I have struggled, especially with mental health.
"I’m open about it, but I’ve been through some dark times."
He also spoke out about how the show, his co-stars, his family and his girlfriend have helped him to get through his struggles.
"If I didn’t stick at the job that I’m in now I would have been lost. Corrie has kept me going and especially having a daughter has kept me going – it gives me something to do.
"I’ve got a wonderful girlfriend Mollie and she’s been there for me, because she’s struggled as well, she’s a performer too," he told The Sun.
CHECK OUT: next week's Coronation Street spoilers - Monday 15 - Friday 19 February
Coronation Street Monday 15 - Friday 19 February
1 of 8Closer-corrie-spoilers
Abi is concerned when she learns that Kevin never showed up on the camping trip and goes to the Bistro looking for answers, only to find the signed contract. With the police still no closer to finding them, Abi vows to get to the bottom of it.
2 of 8Closer-corrie-spoilers
Johnny pays a visit to the prison psychatrist, who diagnosis him with Charles Bonnet syndrome. But despite the doc being confident the symptoms will disappear with medication, Johnny admits to Jenny that he doesn't want the hallucinations to stop as he takes comfort from seeing Aidan.
3 of 8Closer-corrie-spoilers
Simon's suspicions are roused when he comes home to find Leanne asleep on the sofa, with Crystal Moon on the sofa. Logging into their phone records, Simon sees Leanne has run up a huge bill calling the premium rate 'psychic'. When he confronts her, Leanne admits she's still finding it hard to cope.
4 of 8Closer-corrie-spoilers
Back in the Bistro, Debbie and Kevin discuss their childhood as they try desperately to stay awake, but soon they both pass out from hypothermia. Meanwhile Faye and Abi have broken in and Abi is horrified to hear sounds from inside the fridge, realising there's someone in there.
5 of 8Closer-corrie-spoilers
Over at number nine, Fiz is furious at Tyrone for allowing Gary's stock to be stolen now that Gary is demanding the money back. As they argue, Tyrone clutches his chest in pain and a frantic Fiz calls an ambulance.
6 of 8Closer-corrie-spoilers
Having finally admitted to himself there's still a spark between Todd and Billy, Paul resigns from his job, telling Todd it's too painful to work with him. Hearing Paul is looking for work, Ed tells him he's working on a conversion at the archdeacon's house and is looking for contractors, if he's interested.
7 of 8Closer-corrie-spoilers
Finally saved from the Bistro fridge, Kevin and Debbie are rushed to hospital and Kevin manages to tell police it was Ray who locked them in. Realising she'd nearly lost him, Abi gets down on one knee at the hospital and proposes.
8 of 8Closer-corrie-spoilers
With his new contract on the archdeacon's house about to start, Ed is thrilled when his high-flying brother Ronnie turns up to lend a hand. As Michael and Ed launch into a joyful reunion, it's clear Aggie is less than pleased at his arrival.
He went on to say, "My family have been great and have always looked after me. They just said: ‘you go in your own your lane, don’t listen to what people say, because they’re the people who are jealous of what you’ve got'.
"It has been a struggle over the years, but I think now I’m on the up."
Alex has been on Corrie since the age of seven, spending 12 years on the show, and has a big storyline coming up on the cobbles.
WATCH: Emily Atack Talks Holiday Romances | My First Times
READ MORE
Coronation Street: Meet Ronnie Bailey, Ed's high-flying brother
Corrie's Faye Brookes reveals TOWIE star slid into her DMs during DoI debut
Strictly's Giovanni Pernice breaks silence on Alexandra Burke romance rumours
Simon and Leanne Battersby have been struggling financially and soon viewers will see him fall into the world of drug dealing.
Leanne recently resigned from her job which has left her more dependent on her son but viewers recently saw him accidentally deliver drugs after getting into debt with Jacob.
And while Alex has said he's "excited and ready" about his character's new storyline because he wants to "step up as an actor" viewers will see Simon begin to worry for Leanne next week.
When Leanne comes home and finds Leanne asleep on the sofa with Crystal Moon, he logs into their phone records and discovers that she's run up a huge bill calling the premium rate 'psychic'. When he confronts her, Leanne admits she's still finding it hard to cope.