Coronation Street Idris Nazir star’s private life from bus driver job to famous children

Junade Khan has joined the cast of Coronation Street as Idris Nazir and here’s everything we know about the actor including shows where fans will recognise him from

Coronation Street newcomer Idris Nazir is set to ruffles feathers.

Alya Nazir’s (Sair Khan) cousin has arrived in Weatherfield and is set turn the head of Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) as he makes his mark over the next few weeks.

However, this isn’t Junade’s first time on the cobbles. He played the love interest of Rosie Webster (Helen Flanagan) 18 years ago. His character was called Saj and was seen chatting up the cobbles resident in a nightclub in the height of her John Stape kidnap ordeal.

As Idris settles in, here’s a look inside the life of actor Junade including his famous family and his unexpected job before landing Corrie role.

Who plays Idris Nazir in Coronation Street?

Junade Khan has joined Coronation Street as Idris who wastes no time making his presence felt as he arrives out of the blue in his flash car, surprising cousin Alya, impressing Brody Michaelis (Ryan Mulvey), winding up Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard), and setting his sights on one of Weatherfield’s single women.

Teasing what fans can expect from Idris, Junade said: “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.”

What has Junade Khan been in before?

Junade is best known for playing Ash Roy in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks from 2008 until 2009 appearing in over 80 episodes. He also appeared in Game of Thrones, Better, The Last House and Emmerdale.

Speaking to ITV, the actor revealed: “I’ve been driving buses for eight years while doing little acting jobs here and there, so to be able to give that up, it was unbelievable. I even had a Coronation Street magnet on my fridge for years.

“I’d bought it after a failed audition for the role of Imran years ago. I was working in a call centre then and was so desperate for a way out. I remember looking at the magnet after my audition. It feels like a total full-circle moment as if it was all meant to be.”

Who are Junade Khan’s children?

Junade is not the only famous member of his family. His wife Gem Khan is a presenter, singer and owner of PopGems Academy.

Their daughter Alara-Star Khan is a actress working across UK and US film and television. She worked with Hollywood star Angelina Jolie in a film called Anxious People, appeared in Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars and played Poppy in all four episodes of The Serial Killer’s Wife for Paramount+ and Channel 5.

Their son Pacino Khan has also appeared in a Marvel film and Waffle the Wonder Dog. Gem looks after the children’s Instagram pages and often shares casting updates with fans.

Coronation Street airs weeknights on ITV1 at 8.30pm and available to stream from 7am on ITVX