Coronation Street confirms new ‘fiery romance’ for soap favourite ‘the connection is instant’

One Coronation Street legend is set to get a new romantic interest in upcoming episodes

Coronation Street fans will be left delighted for one soap favourite as they’re set to embark in a ‘fiery romance’ on the cobbles.

In upcoming scenes, the newest member of the Nazir family, Idris Nazir, played by Junade Khan, arrives in Weatherfield and soon sets pulses racing.

A new explosive trailer sees Idris wasting no time making his presence felt as he arrives out of the blue in his flash car, surprising cousin Alya, impressing Brody Michaelis, winding up Daniel Osbourne, and setting his sights on one of Weatherfield’s single women.

Having met Idris previously at a Nazir family gathering, soap legend and favourite Leanne Battersby, played by Jane Danson, is under his spell pretty quickly and fans can expect a fiery romance to develop.

Coronation Street producer Kate Brooks said: “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.”

Kate added: “He’s a new love interest for Leanne. The attraction is instantaneous. 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.”

Meanwhile, Idris actor Junade said of his character: “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.”

He added over Idris’ romance with Leanne: “They actually recognise each other from a family wedding where they sat at the same table. The connection is instant. He likes Leanne because she’s ‘real.’ He’s used to flashy people, but when he sees Leanne fending off a group of guys who aren’t paying their bill, he sees a strength in her that he admires.

“It reminds him of his own mother, who raised him as a single parent. He sees a strength in Leanne that he probably wishes he’d had in his own life. Working with Jane Danson has been amazing; even on her day off, she came in to meet me. She’s really made this experience special.”

Idris will arrive on the cobbles on Tuesday May 26. Coronation Street airs weekdays at 8:30pm on ITV and ITVX.