Coronation Street will introduce some big changes for Alya Nazir next week, as she returns to the
cobbles following her time in Dublin.
Alya left Weatherfield in May to take a job in Ireland while actor Sair Khan was on maternity leave, but
she will be back home next week.
Yasmeen Metcalfe is delighted to have her granddaughter back on the cobbles and is proud to find out that she is now shadowing a criminal solicitor, having been advancing her legal career over the past few months.
Alya’s new role quickly takes a dramatic turn when Mason Radcliffe’s troublesome brother, Matty, is brought into the police station for questioning over the attack on Carla Connor at the factory.
However, Alya is representing Matty and is on hand to corroborate his alibi. Could Alya’s new job cause tensions between her and her neighbours?
Sair Khan, who returned to filming in September following the birth of her baby boy in May, has spoken about Alya’s “unexpected” return, teasing that “where we find her is not where you expect her to be”.
“That throws a spanner in the works at the very beginning,” she added. “Dee-Dee is one of her best friends, so she will know what has been going on, but where Alya finds herself is in a very compromised situation of her own when she gets back.”
Khan also confirmed that we will be seeing a new side to Alya following her time away, revealing that her character has “definitely had a complete revamp”.
“I think getting away from the Street, really focusing on her career and where she wants to be, has ignited a new spark in her,” she said. “She’s changed lanes a little bit in terms of her work and what she wants to do, but she’s putting her heart and soul and all of her passion into making her career a success and learning.”
The actor added that Alya now has “a bit more money” and a “more elevated” fashion sense and has also “taken time out for herself”.
“I think she’s taken the opportunity to be a bit selfish, and I quite like that for her,” she said.
Khan added that she “felt like I’d never been away” after returning to work from her maternity leave.
“It’s just been nice to catch up with everyone and see how everyone’s been getting on, and hearing about all the storylines that they’ve been involved in,” she said.
Coronation Street airs these scenes on Monday, November 25, and Wednesday, November 27.
