A newcomer is set to turn heads and ruffle feathers in Coronation Street next week.
Idris Nazir, played by actor Junade Khan, makes his arrival on Tuesday 26 May. The cousin of Alya’s (Sair Khan) late father Kal, he immediately catches the attention of the Weatherfield locals by pulling up onto the cobbles in his flashy car.
Speaking of the new arrival, producer Kate Brooks told Radio Times and other media: “He is very, very charming, the charm oozes out of every pore of this guy. He’s a savvy kind of business guy, he’s got a bit of a ruthless streak, he is prepared to get his hands slightly dirty, and he can charm the birds from the trees.”
It soon transpires that Alya isn’t the only resident that he knows, having met Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) at a Nazir family gathering over 10 years ago. It doesn’t take long for sparks to fly…
“He’s a new love interest for Leanne. The attraction is instantaneous,” Brooks continued.
“It kind of gives Leanne a new lease of life. She’s been harbouring a deep-rooted resentment towards Toyah and Nick, because that’s the life she had. This guy comes along, he’s got it all, he makes her laugh. He’s funny, he’s handsome, and he ruffles a lot of feathers, but he’s not without an edge.
“He’s not soft, and he’s certainly no pushover. He butts heads with some of our more alpha kind of characters quite early on.”
Aside from romancing Leanne, he’ll also impress teenager Brody Michaelis (Ryan Mulvey), and create a new rivalry with Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard).
Long-term fans, or those who have been watching Classic Coronation Street on ITV3, may have seen Khan before.
“I joined Corrie for a very short stint [in 2008] as a love interest for Rosie Webster,” the actor explained upon his casting.
“She’d been kidnapped by John Stape, and we met in a nightclub. My character was called Saj, though Helen Flanagan called me ‘Sarge’ which was funny! I remember being in the Rovers with Sally, Gail and Carla. Coming back now, I saw Alison King and said, ‘I’ve seen you before!'”
On his new alter-ego’s nature, he added: “He’s multi-layered and incredibly ambitious. As a child, he suffered a lot of hardship and neglect, so he’s had to overcome those obstacles entirely on his own.
“He’s a lone wolf – the black sheep of the family who has made a name for himself. He’s addicted to success and the finer things in life, but there’s a real vulnerability there, too.
“It’s the first time I’ve played a character where I can show that side, which is a great gift for an actor.”
Read more:
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Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 or can be streamed from 7am on ITVX.
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