Coronation Street star Nathan Graham has revealed he "filled up" filming his emotional final scenes on the cobbles.

Nathan has played footballer James Bailey for more than three years, during which time he has been involved in a number of huge storylines within the ITV soap.

However, in emotional scenes due to air tonight (September 3), viewers will see James say goodbye to his family – just shortly after the arrival of his sister Dee-Dee.

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His exit follows recent scenes where James suffered a cardiac arrest while playing a match between the Rovers and Flying Horse teams.

Although the circumstances around his exit have not been revealed, James actor Nathan revealed: "Yes it was emotional and I did fill up.

"I am so close to my on screen family so I know I will see them all again but that was my last time being part of the on screen Bailey family."

"There were a lot of similarities between James’ departure and my own, he is sad to be going but is excited about his future and so am I.

"James’ family are upset he is leaving but can see this is an exciting new chapter for him so they are pleased for him and that was the same with Trevor, Lorna, Ryan, Vinta and Channique so it felt very real."

Speaking about filming his final scenes, Nathan added: "It was strange as my actual final scene of James leaving was filmed a few weeks before I finished filming so I had James’ departure which was emotional and then a couple of weeks later my own final moments so it was a bit of a double whammy really.

"It felt like I got to say goodbye twice."

However, Nathan has teased a potential return in the future, after revealing he was pleased that James was not killed off in recent episodes.

"They gave him a heart attack so they could have killed him," said Nathan.

"I was fully aware of the fact that once you have decided to leave it is out of your hands and they can do whatever they want for the character to go.

"So I was pleased when I found out that it was a happy ending for James and it is nice to know I could potentially come back in the future to see the family."

But what does the future hold for the Coronation Street star as James Bailey says one last farewell to the cobbles?

"I am just going to take things as they come and roll with the punches," said Nathan.

He added: "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."

Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8pm on ITV

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