Nicola Thorp, best known for playing Nicola Rubinstein on Coronation Street, not only found fame on the cobbles but also love with her co-star Charlie de Melo. However, their romance ultimately ended after just 10 months, with sources citing growing apart and work pressures.
On-Screen and Off-Screen Romance
Nicola joined the ITV soap in 2017 as the daughter of villain Pat Phelan. She quickly became embroiled in dramatic storylines before quitting in 2018, with her exit airing the following year. Since leaving, she has built a career as a broadcaster, columnist, and activist, frequently appearing on This Morning.
While on the show, Nicola began dating Charlie de Melo, who played solicitor Imran Habeeb from 2017 until his character was killed off in 2022. The pair had been close friends for a decade before their relationship turned romantic. They kept their romance low-key but often shared holiday snaps on Instagram.
Jealousy and a Threesome Storyline
In 2018, Nicola joked about being jealous when Charlie’s character was offered a threesome with sisters Leanne and Toyah Battersby. She said: “Let’s just say I get very, very jealous of Charlie because Georgia and Jane are absolutely gorgeous. He’s a lucky man.”
The Split
In January 2019, reports emerged that Nicola and Charlie had split after 10 months of dating. A source told The Sun: “Sadly Nicola and Charlie decided to cool things after growing apart.” The strain was reportedly exacerbated by Nicola’s departure from Coronation Street in 2018. The source added: “They’ve decided to remain pals – although they aren’t hanging out as much platonically as they did before they were a couple and have been tending to go their separate ways. As long as it doesn’t get awkward at work they’re happy, that’s their main concern, they also won’t be flaunting any new partners in front of each other, they plan to be very professional.”
New Love and Marriage
Following her split from Charlie, Nicola found love with actor Nikesh Patel in 2021. Nikesh is known for roles in Indian Summers, Starstruck, and Four Weddings and a Funeral. In January 2023, Nicola revealed their engagement on the Jeremy Vine show, describing a romantic proposal with candles, photos, and a nod to her late grandmother. She announced her pregnancy in September 2023 and welcomed a baby girl in January 2024. The couple married in August 2024, sharing a video on Instagram with the caption: “This weekend, we got married in the same place that race riots broke out three weeks ago. Two hearts, two families, two cultures: united, celebrated and loved. Love wins.”
Awkward Family Viewing
Recently on This Morning, Nicola recounted her mother’s hilarious reaction to watching one of Nikesh’s sex scenes in a film. When asked if she’d watched steamy scenes with her parents, Nicola said: “Very early on when I met Nikesh he was in a rom-com and my mum said ‘oh you’ve got this new boyfriend shall we watch one of his things. Me and your dad watched it last night!’ Within the first 30 seconds there’s a girl doing all sorts of things to him!” Her mother’s response? “He seems like a very handsome man!”
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
