CORONATION Street star Alex Bain looked very different to his onscreen character after injuring his ankle on set.

The actor - who plays Simon Barlow on the ITV soap - was spotted for first time since he fractured his ankle as he was seen wearing a CAM Walker boot.

Trying to keep a low profile, the soap star wore his hood up while talking to a friend.

The actor - who has played Peter Barlow's son on the cobbles for 14 years, looked in good spirits despite the traumatic injury.

Alex, 20, was seen holding a cup of coffee and carrying a black rucksack while out and about in Manchester.

He looked deep in conversation while chatting to a friend in the street.

His moon boot was strapped onto his left foot - the medical boot is used to help to support the ankle during the healing process and aid mobility.

Earlier this month, shared a snap while waiting inside Royal Blackburn Hospital.

After having an X-ray, Alex said he'd need to return in four weeks for another check-up, but doctors are pleased with how things are progressing.

He wrote: "Should be healed soon enough guys! Thanks for all your love and support!"

Alex revealed missing Corrie hasn't been the most difficult thing about his injury, rather it's being unable to perform with the England Dance Squad.

He was forced to miss out on a recent international competition but did cheer the team on.

The actor was asked when he'll be back on screen and he replied "hopefully very soon".

Two weeks ago he told told fans not to panic after he suffered a mystery injury that left him in a wheelchair.

Sharing a picture from inside a busy A&E department, he reassured followers: "Not where I expected to be tonight. Don’t worry guys it’s just my ankle."

He then told his fans he had to have a foot brace fitted following the painful injury.

Alex later revealed he was still wheelchair-bound as he headed off on holiday to Frankfurt.

He joked: "Got a fancy new set of wheels! Thank you to the helpful people at Manchester Airport."

It's thought Alex is currently taking a short break from Corrie after being involved in a heavy drug dealing storyline.

Alex, who became a dad at 17 when his then-girlfriend gave birth to their daughter Lydia-Rose, previously opened up to The Sun about experiencing "dark times" and credited Coronation Street with saving him.

He said: "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."

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