Junade Khan has joined Coronation Street as new character Idris Nazir and here’s everything you need to know about the actor including his eight years driving buses to his famous family
Coronation Street newcomer Idris Nazir is set to catch the eye of Leanne Battersby(Image: ITV)
Coronation Street newcomer Idris Nazir is poised to cause disruption.
Alya Nazir’s (Sair Khan) cousin has landed in Weatherfield and is set to catch the eye of Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) as he establishes himself over the coming weeks.
Nevertheless, this isn’t Junade’s inaugural appearance on the cobbles. He portrayed the romantic interest of Rosie Webster (Helen Flanagan) 18 years ago. His character was named Saj and was shown approaching the Street’s resident in a nightclub during the peak of her John Stape abduction storyline.
As Idris gets comfortable, here’s an insight into the life of actor Junade including his notable family and his surprising job before securing his Corrie role.
Idris who wastes no time establishing his presence as he turns up unexpectedly in his expensive car, catching cousin Alya off guard, impressing Brody Michaelis (Ryan Mulvey), antagonising Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard), and pursuing one of Weatherfield’s unattached women.
Hinting at what audiences can anticipate from Idris, Junade revealed: “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 is perhaps best recognised for his role as Ash Roy in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks from 2008 until 2009, featuring in over 80 episodes. He has also had roles in Game of Thrones, Better, The Last House and Emmerdale.
In a candid chat with ITV, the actor disclosed: “I’ve been driving buses for eight years while doing little acting jobs here and there, so to be able to give that up, it was unbelievable. I even had a Coronation Street magnet on my fridge for years.
“I’d bought it after a failed audition for the role of Imran years ago. I was working in a call centre then and was so desperate for a way out. I remember looking at the magnet after my audition. It feels like a total full-circle moment as if it was all meant to be.”
Junade isn’t the sole well-known member of his household. His wife Gem Khan is a presenter, singer and owner of PopGems Academy. The couple’s daughter, Alara-Star Khan, is an actress with credits spanning both UK and US film and television.
She has starred alongside Hollywood icon Angelina Jolie in a film called Anxious People, featured in Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars, and portrayed Poppy across all four episodes of The Serial Killer’s Wife for Paramount+ and Channel 5.
Their son Pacino Khan has likewise secured roles in a Marvel production and Waffle the Wonder Dog. Gem manages the children’s Instagram accounts and regularly keeps fans updated with the latest casting news.
Coronation Street airs weeknights on ITV1 at 8.30pm and available to stream from 7am on ITVX