Ijaz Rana discusses his character Imran Maalik's return to the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, where he'll be joined by his new girlfriend Leah Barnes, played by Charlotte Riley.
Ijaz Rana has opened up on returning to Hollyoaks as Imran Maalik three years after he was last seen in the village. Fans of the Channel 4 soap will recall that Misbah Maalik's son moved to London in 2023 for a fresh start and to pursue a career as a chef to protect his recovery from an eating disorder as the village held too many reminders of his past trauma.
However, he's returning home this week and he's not alone as he'll be joined by his new girlfriend Leah Barnes , the daughter of Ste Hay . Ste and Misbah are left gobsmacked to discover that their children are dating and even more shocked to learn that they're now millionaires due to Imran's career in tech.
Opening up on Imran and Leah's return, Ijaz explained: "Imran and Leah are coming back as this power couple that no one can believe. It's true love and they really have best interests of each other in mind always.
" It was announced earlier this year that former Coronation Street star Charlotte was taking over the role of Leah and Ijaz says the pair have "great chemistry" on and off camera. He continued: "It's been nice bouncing off Charlotte, who plays Leah, because we're developing that bond in real life where we're getting on really well.
"We've got good chemistry between us and all of that is translating really nicely into the material that we're doing as well. "It's been nice getting into the nitty-gritty of the new work and the new relationships. I don't think anybody expected the Leah romance at all but it's been really good just connect with everyone again.
" Hollyoaks spoilers for Monday's reveal Gemma Johnson is fuming when she spots a fancy sports car blocking ambulance access to the hospital, but her and Misbah are distracted when Imran appears. Later, Vicky Grant , Misbah and Ste are left stunned when glamours couple Imran and Leah arrive in the village hand in hand.
Later in the week, Leah reveals her and Imran are moving back to Hollyoaks and have purchased a place by the river. She admits to Ste she hid the money and her relationship from him when he visited not wanting him to get carried away with it all. With Leah successful and loved up, Vicky is left feeling like she wants more for her life. Leah reminds her she's beautiful and has her own business.
Seeing the way Vicky and Prince McQueen exchange glances Leah has an idea and tells Imran she thinks she's found their next project. Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am
Please follow us on Google to support us Hollyoaks Imran Maalik Leah Barnes Ijaz Rana Charlotte Riley
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dorit Kemsley Reveals Being Blindsided by Ex PK Kemsley's New Girlfriend Amid Acrimonious DivorceIn an exclusive interview, Dorit Kemsley discusses her reaction to ex-husband PK Kemsley's public new relationship, their contentious custody battle, and co-parenting challenges amid a high-profile divorce.
Read more »
Pixie Lott Returns with New Music and Festival Appearance After Decade-Long BreakPixie Lott, who achieved massive stardom before turning 20, discusses her excitement about playing festivals again, her recent single "Good Wife," and her critically acclaimed comeback album "Encino" after a ten-year hiatus. She talks about creating raw, honest music and reveals an unreleased song will be part of her festival set.
Read more »
Venezuela Fury's husband Noah Price 'back at scrap yard' after lavish weddingNoah Price has reportedly returned to selling scrap metal following his lavish wedding to Venezuela Fury, as the couple settle into their new life together after their honeymoon
Read more »
Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury announce second pregnancyThe couple attended a local church service.
Read more »
Lisa Hogan praises Adam Henson as she takes swipe at partner Jeremy ClarksonJeremy Clarkson's girlfriend Lisa spoke out during an appearance at FarmFest 2026, a new festival 'celebrating the livelihoods, skills and produce of Britain's farmers'
Read more »
Lenny Henry says racism 'still at large' ahead of Liverpool showSir Lenny returns to Liverpool in October
Read more »