Corrie airs at 8.30pm on ITV1
Now that you’ve had some time to settle in, how are you finding the role, and how would you describe Idris as you’ve started to find your feet with him?
I’m absolutely loving the character. He’s really developed over the last month or so; something has just clicked. I’m understanding him much better now and getting to grips with the style of Coronation Street. It’s a delicate balance—it can’t be too subtle like in some dramas, it has to be a bit heightened, but still grounded in realism. I’ve started to truly embrace the character. He’s brilliant because he has so many dimensions. While he isn’t liked by everyone, there is a lot of vulnerability there, especially in his relationships with Leanne, Sam, Brody, and Alya.
Would you say he’s the type of person who is fiercely loyal to those on his side, but someone who should be avoided if you cross him?
He is very loyal to Leanne, and because of that, he has grown closer to Sam.. He genuinely likes Sam and tries to bring out a good side in him, acting almost like a “cool dad” or a mentor. It’s a side of the character I really enjoy playing because it shows that vulnerability.
You mentioned wanting to avoid a one-dimensional “villain” trope. Are you happy with how his relationships are fleshing him out, and do we get hints of what makes him tick?
Definitely. 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.
Why do you think Leanne is willing to turn a blind eye to his schemes and stay with him?
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.
Do you think they will make good business partners, given that they can both be quite ruthless?
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.
Nick and Toyah have warned Leanne that Idris is a “thug.” How does Idris deal with that skepticism, and can he win them over?
It will be difficult to win Nick over, 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 realize he’s not as bad as he first thought.
And what about his dynamic with Brody? Is he a good influence?
It depends on how you look at it. He does like Brody,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.
Looking ahead, Alya is playing hardball with the business sale. How is the tension with Adam affecting Idris?
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.
We also see Idris setting up a high-stakes poker game in the coming week. Has he bitten off more than he can chew by getting involved with Fiona?
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 his is aware of her and the people she mixes with but her may have underestimated her
What has the public reaction been like? Have you been recognized much?
I try to stay away from reading comments online, but I was actually surprised by how quickly people recognized me, it happened after just the first episode! I went to Alton Towers, wearing a hat and sunglasses, and people still came up to me. It was surreal. Even though he’s not the most likable character right now, I’m confident that as people see more dimensions to him and find the humor in him, they’ll start to warm to him.
Catch up on ITVX, and for classic visits to Corrie, these episodes air weekdays on ITV3 as well as on YouTube.