Coronation Street has teased the arrival of Alya Nazir's (Sair Khan) cousin Idris, who is set to make a significant impact on one particular resident. Taking on the role of Idris is Junade Kahn, whose first scenes will air next week. Idris wastes no time making his presence felt as he arrives unexpectedly in his flashy car. He surprises Alya, impresses teenager Brody Michaelis (Ryan Mulvey), annoys Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard), and begins flirting with Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson). Having previously met Idris at a Nazir family gathering, Leanne falls under his spell, leading to a fiery new romance.
Junade Kahn on His Character Idris
Star Junade teased: '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.'
Junade revealed that the connection between Idris and Leanne is 'instant', noting that he feels his character is attracted to Leanne because she's 'real'. 'They actually recognise each other from a family wedding where they sat at the same table,' he said. '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.'
He added: '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.'
Junade's Previous Coronation Street Role
Interestingly, this is not Junade's first time on the cobbles. He shared: 'It was back in 2008. I joined Corrie for a very short stint as a love interest for Rosie Webster. 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!' It's a bit surreal, but it feels right to be back.'
Producer Kate Brooks on Idris's Arrival
Sharing her excitement at the arrival of Idris and Junade, show producer Kate Brooks said: '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.'
Idris's first scenes on the ITV soap will air on May 26.
