Ijaz Rana has spoken out about his return to Hollyoaks as Imran Maalik, three years after the character was last seen in the village. Devoted fans of the Channel 4 soap will recall that Misbah Maalik's son headed to London in 2023 for a fresh start, pursuing a career as a chef to safeguard his recovery from an eating disorder, as the village held too many painful reminders of his troubled past.
Now he is heading back home this week, and he will not be returning alone. He will be accompanied by his new girlfriend Leah Barnes, played by former Coronation Street star Charlotte Riley, who is the daughter of Ste Hay. Both Ste and Misbah are left utterly stunned to discover their children are an item, and even more astounded to find out the pair are now millionaires thanks to Imran's ventures in tech.
Imran and Leah: The Power Couple
Reflecting on Imran and Leah's comeback, Ijaz said: "Imran and Leah are coming back as this power couple that no one can believe. It's true love and they really have best interests of each other in mind always."
It was confirmed earlier this year that Charlotte would be stepping into the role of Leah, and Ijaz reveals the pair share great chemistry both on and off screen. He added: "It's been nice bouncing off Charlotte, who plays Leah, because we're developing that bond in real life where we're getting on really well. We've got good chemistry between us and all of that is translating really nicely into the material that we're doing as well."
Ijaz continued: "It's been nice getting into the nitty-gritty of the new work and the new relationships. I don't think anybody expected the Leah romance at all but it's been really good just connecting with everyone again."
Spoilers Ahead
Hollyoaks spoilers for Monday's episode show Gemma Johnson left furious after spotting a flashy sports car obstructing ambulance access to the hospital, though she and Misbah are soon distracted by Imran's sudden appearance. Later, Vicky Grant, Misbah, and Ste are left gobsmacked when glamorous couple Imran and Leah stroll into the village together.
As the week progresses, Leah reveals that she and Imran are relocating back to Hollyoaks, having snapped up a property by the river. She confesses to Ste that she deliberately kept both her finances and her relationship under wraps during his visit, not wanting him to get carried away with it all.
With Leah thriving professionally and blissfully loved-up, Vicky finds herself yearning for more out of life. Leah is quick to reassure her, reminding her she is beautiful and has her own business. Noticing the lingering looks exchanged between Vicky and Prince McQueen, Leah hatches a plan, confiding in Imran that she believes she has identified their next project.
Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm, and first look episodes can be streamed on Channel 4 from 7am.
