Thank goodness for social media. When Coronation Street actors are dropping spoilers between shoots, it makes journalism so much easier. There is a nasty surprise in store for Alya Nazir, at least that is what star Sair Khan seems to be suggesting.
The actress posted a series of photos from set on Instagram, modelling a range of her character's trademark snazzy outfits, as well as smiling selfies with fellow cast members Mollie Gallagher (Nina Lucas), Sydney Martin (Betsy Swain) and Jane Hazelgrove (Betsy Winter). Most intriguingly, Sair posed making a faux-shocked expression in front of the back of an ambulance, hinting at possible danger for her beloved Cobbles alter ego.
What possible danger could Alya be in?
Could it have something to do with the arrival of her rough-around-the-edges cousin, the loveably charming but ruthless rogue Idris Nazir (Junade Khan)? Coronation Street producer Kate Brookes revealed that the newcomer is set to release the cat amongst the pigeons. 'He's funny, he's a handsome chap, and he ruffles a lot of feathers, but he's not without an edge. He's not soft, and he's certainly no pushover.'
True to form, the new boy wasted no time in making enemies. While Alya was delighted to see Idris, the same could not be said of her boyfriend and employer Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson), who took an instant disliking to the smooth operator. And not without reason. Idris set fans' drama alarms off when he immediately started gravitating towards troubled teen Brody Michaelis (Ryan Mulvaney). They first met at Speed Daal when Idris stepped in to aggressively eject rowdy customers who were causing trouble for Brody and Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson). Impressed by the no-nonsense way he handled the rude punters, Brody sought him out for a job. Idris hired the teenager for his 'skills and initiative' to work for his property agency, which already screams 'front.' We have already seen Idris viciously threaten a man called Damo in an alleyway for money. Is Idris' way of making money entirely legit? Whatever the case, it is clear that Alya is none the wiser. Does her cousin's shady activities bring an ambulance to their door?
Another possibility: the Theo murder fallout
Tensions have been boiling over recently as it has become clear that one of the prime suspects in the case, Gary Windass (Mikey North), has been looking a little bit too cosy with Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brien), who just so happens to be dating investigating officer DS Kit Green (Jacob Roberts). The ex-lovers have seemed so close recently, it is getting suspicious. Could the ambulance have something to do with the ongoing fallout from the murder of Theo Silverton (James Cartwright)? Gary's partner Maria Connor (Samia Longchambon) certainly thinks so. Those suspicions are set to explode during a dinner party from hell, in a much-hyped episode kicking off with a flash-forward of the party in ruins, with smashed glass on a blood-stained table cloth. Is this just the start of the bloodshed? Whatever secrets are spilled over that table could lead to a frightening escalation between Kit and Gary with Maria and Sarah caught in the crossfire.
Megan Walsh trial
Then let us not forget that Megan Walsh's (Beth Nixon) trial is coming up. The paedophile high school teacher's sickening grooming and sexual abuse of Will Driscoll (Lucas Hodgson-Wale) is hurtling towards endgame, as the predator is finally about to face justice. But the abuser might have one last trick up her sleeve, as Megan's mum, played by Melissa Jacques, is due to arrive on the cobbles just in time for Megan's day in court. Her arrival is sure to bring more drama to the Driscoll family, but will it result in hospitalisation? We all know Maggie Driscoll (Pauline McLynn) has a temper. The killer granny has already lashed out physically at Megan once, and put herself in hospital while trying to confront the monster on the balcony.
Is the ambulance coming for them, or for someone else entirely?
