Charlie De Melo, who played lawyer Imran Habeeb on Coronation Street, has opened up about his life since his character was killed off in 2022. The actor, who joined the ITV soap in 2017, has faced personal challenges including a split from his co-star and the death of a close friend.
Imran's dramatic exit saw him die from a heart attack following a serious car accident. Reflecting on his decision to leave the soap, De Melo told Metro: 'I came to the realisation that I have no spouse, I have no car or mortgage or kids... I thought if I don’t close my eyes and step off into the void now, then I never will.' He emphasised that his departure was not due to the job itself, but a desire for change.
Since leaving the cobbles, De Melo has appeared in Doctor Who's 60th Anniversary special in 2023 and the Disney+ comedy-drama Rivals in 2024. He also found romance with former on-screen love interest Georgia Taylor, who played Toyah Battersby. The couple confirmed their relationship in July 2023 but reportedly split at the start of 2025, remaining good friends.
In December 2024, De Melo suffered a further blow when his close friend Dave Schofield died at age 34 after a battle with cancer. Paying tribute on Instagram, De Melo described his friend as 'an inspiration' and said: 'His loss is enormous, permanent, and for which I feel eternally grateful.'
Coronation Street continues to air weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX.
