Coronation Street newcomer Idris Nazir, played by Junade Khan, is set to unleash a wave of violence and dark secrets, the actor has confirmed. Arriving on the cobbles, Idris reunited with his cousin Alya Nazir and quickly stirred up drama, angering her boyfriend Adam Barlow, impressing Leanne Battersby and Tracy Barlow, and even winning over Brody Michaelis. But his sinister side emerged when he walled up Damo, who owed him money, in a ginnel. Brody later questioned Idris about his businesses, asking outright if he was a gangster. Idris laughed off the accusation, but Khan hinted at deeper darkness.
Idris's violent secrets teased
'There are a few secrets coming, and a bit of violence, maybe,' Khan teased. This continues a trend of dark male newcomers on the street, following stalker Mal Roper, abusive Theo Silverton, and initially rancid Carl Webster. Khan also revealed that Idris will influence Leanne's darker side: 'Idris will probably bring out the dark side in Leanne a little bit.' Leanne previously kidnapped Megan Walsh, but has been more mature recently.
Nick Tilsley's jealousy and protective instincts
Idris's rapid relationship with Leanne has angered her ex-husband Nick Tilsley (Ben Price). 'He doesn't like the fact that it's moving very quick with Idris and Leanne,' Khan said. 'Sam gets involved, and likes Idris, which is nice. Idris has a good relationship with Sam, but Nick has a lot of reservations about Idris as a person. He doesn't trust him whatsoever. It's going to kick off between them at one point.'
Nick's vulnerability and rivalry
Price elaborated on Nick's feelings: 'I think he finds it very difficult. Idris has come in, you will see Sam opening up to him, or that's potentially on the cards, and I think Nick then feels quite lost, and then also gets angry and a bit protective.' Price added that Nick struggles seeing Leanne with someone else: 'I think it's quite painful for Nick to see Leanne with someone else.' He noted that Nick is particularly threatened by Idris's success as a businessman, similar to his rivalry with Peter Barlow. 'Idris, he's a businessman, does quite well. I think Nick finds it a bit tricky. Nick slightly lives in his world of owning the bistro and having a certain standing... I think there's the best of that vibe in Idris. I'm already seeing Idris will definitely probably be a match for Nick in certain ways.'
