She continued: “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.”
Despite joining the cast as Idris, this isn’t Khan’s first appearance in Corrie, having previously appeared as Saj in 2008, a love interest for Rosie Webster.
He said: “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.”
Describing his character, 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.”
Khan also elaborated on Idris’ fiery romance with Leanne, continuing: “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 [Leanne actor] Jane Danson has been amazing; even on her day off, she came in to meet me. She’s really made this experience special.”
