Coronation Street's Idris Nazir actor Junade Khan has said fans have got his character wrong, as he reveals his real intentions with Leanne Battersby and Brody Michaelis. The newcomer finds himself in trouble next week when he gets involved with criminal Fiona Morley, holding a secret high-stakes poker game at Speed Daal.
Idris underestimated the situation
Junade, 44, said: “He’s definitely underestimated the situation. He knows how to ‘dip his toe in the water’ and isn't scared of mixing in dangerous circles, but he’s playing a risky game. I get the impression he is aware of her and the people she mixes with but he may have underestimated her.”
It’s not just dodgy businesswoman Fiona who Idris could get on the wrong side of next week. Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) is furious when she finds out what’s gone on at her restaurant. Believing Idris has gambled away the money she gave him, Leanne gives him his marching orders. Idris manages to turn things around though, with Junade saying: “I think she’s intrigued by him. He treats her like a princess and offers her that bit of attention, which she likely appreciates given everything she’s been through. They are also kindred spirits in a way.”
Idris will keep scheming
While Leanne and Idris’ romance is blossoming, Junade says it won’t be enough to stop Idris scheming. He explains: “The problem with Idris is that he’s never content; he’s always thinking about the next project. I think Leanne will reign him in to a degree, but Idris will likely keep operating behind her back to get what he wants.”
Two characters who are not as easily won over by Idris and his mystery dealings are Leanne’s sister Toyah Battersby, and Leanne’s ex-husband Nick Tilsley. “It will be difficult to win Nick over,” says Junade. “He’s jealous of Idris’ relationship with Sam and holds a grudge because he thinks he is just using Leanne. Plus, Idris isn't fond of Nick, especially because of how he destroyed Leanne's previous relationship. I think Idris has his own set of morals, and that was a line he wouldn't cross. However, if he can show Nick that he’s genuinely good with Sam, he might eventually realise he’s not as bad as he first thought.”
Idris's past and Brody
Idris only debuted on the show as Alya Nazir’s cousin in May this year, and he’s already been at the centre of some big storylines. Last month came the bombshell that Idris was actually the son of Alya’s grandfather Sharif Nazir, making Alya’s uncle. Before that, Abi Franklin (Sally Carman-Duttine) threatened legal action against her landlord Idris, after black mould in her flat left her 4-year-old son in hospital with breathing difficulties.
When Alya’s partner Adam Barlow took on Abi’s legal case against Idris, it sparked tension between solicitor Adam (Sam Robertson) and Idris. This tension continues next week, when Adam urges Alya (Sair Khan) not to accept Idris’ offer for her share of the restaurant she owns with Leanne. Junade says: “Adam has never liked Idris, so I don’t think he’ll ever win him over. Adam is encouraging Alya to stick to her guns, so Idris has to operate in the shadows. He is constantly trying to get her to one side to talk secretly, because as soon as Adam is involved, his plans are usually at risk.”
Viewers have been worried about the influence Idris is having on teenager Brody Michaelis, after Brody began working for him. Next week, Idris lashes out at Brody after finding out he’s been knocking back shots at the poker night. Brody gets his own back by telling Leanne about the gambling. Junade says that dodgy dealings aside, Idris is trying to look out for Brody, knowing his mum Lou and stepfather Mick are in prison. “He does like Brody,” says Junade. “He’s a funny lad, but he doesn't trust him with big business decisions because he lets himself down with alcohol and maturity. He uses him for the ‘dirty jobs’ while keeping him on board. In a way, he’s trying to step into a father figure role to guide him away from ending up like his dad, Mick. He’s telling him that in the real world, you have to be tough to get where you want to be. It’s perhaps not the best advice, but Idris believes he is more intelligent than Mick and is trying to save Brody from that path.”
While Corrie fans are still making their minds up on whether Idris is the next big soap villain, Junade believes Idris’ past explains his devious behaviour. He says: “He’s a humorous character, and I love that because Coronation Street is so rooted in comedy alongside the serious drama. As for his motivations, there is a lot of erratic, obsessive behavior, he’s constantly chasing the next business deal. I think there’s a sense of having something to prove. Growing up in a poor household, compared to more well-off families, he felt like a second-class citizen. He didn't feel loved at home, so he’s always craved a family. Finding that solace with Leanne, who is a very real person, has been significant for him.”
Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITV X.
