Returning Coronation Street star reveals character has undergone a ‘revamp’ ahead of comeback

Calli Kitson

Published November 24, 2024 11:00am

Alya stands on the cobbles in Coronation Street — She’s back at last! (Picture: ITV)

Coronation Street’s Sair Khan is heading back to the cobbles, and we can’t wait.

Her character Alya Nazir left the show in May to facilitate Sair’s maternity leave, who has since become mum to a little boy.

In the ITV soap, Alya was offered a new job in Dublin and departed the cobbles, ready to develop her new career.

Reflecting on heading back to the show, actress Sair Khan told us recently: ‘To be honest, it felt like I’d never been away. It was just so nice to see everyone. I have been dipping in when I can to see the show, but it doesn’t always work around bedtimes anymore. It’s just been nice to catch up with everyone and see how everyone’s been getting on, and hearing about all the storylines that they’ve been involved in.’

Describing Alya’s return as ‘unexpected’, Sair intriguingly said: ‘Where we find her is not where you expect her to be, and where you expect her to show up. So that throws a spanner in the works at the very beginning. Dee-Dee is one of her best friends, so she will know what has been going on, but where Alya finds herself is in a very compromised situation of her own when she gets back.’

Despite the mystery surrounding her new storyline, Alya’s time in Dublin has hugely benefited her.

Sair explained: ‘Alya has definitely had a complete revamp, and I think getting away from the Street, really focusing on her career and where she wants to be, has ignited a new spark in her. She’s changed lanes a little bit in terms of her work and what she wants to do, but she’s putting her heart and soul and all of her passion into making her career a success and learning.

Kit, Lisa, Matty and Alya in the corridor of the police station in Corrie — Alya has been working in Dublin (Picture: ITV)

Adam Barlow looks shocked in the solicitors office in Coronation Street — She had a brief fling with Adam before she left (Picture: ITV)

‘And when she comes back onto the Street, you can tell that she’s been influenced by the place that she’s been working. It’s quite corporate, her look has changed.

‘She’s obviously got a bit more money, her style is much more elevated, and she’s taken time out for herself, rather than pouring everything into her family relationships, which have taken a lot from her. I think she’s taken the opportunity to be a bit selfish, and I quite like that for her.’

Before Alya left, she had a brief fling with Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson). Fortunately, her time away from the solicitor hasn’t caused their connection to fizzle out.

‘I don’t think there’s been that much contact while Alya’s been in Ireland’, Sair revealed.

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‘So, I think when they lock eyes back on each other, the spark that was there before Alya left has been completely reignited. But I think Alya is trying to play it cool and be a bit coy, but she also knows what she wants, and that’s him, so she’s just gonna go for it!’

‘I think Alya has seen a different side to Adam that she didn’t see when he was her boss, a much more caring and sensitive side, although she knows he can be a bit cocky and arrogant, I think she likes being kept on her toes, and it’s exciting for her. He’s got big aspirations, and I think she finds that a turn on. So, I think very keen on him.’