HOLLYOAKS has signed ANOTHER Coronation Street star in a major recast as two old characters return.
The Channel 4 soap is bringing back two characters in the coming months as Imran Maalik makes a shock comeback and brings with him his new girlfriend – who fans will recognise.
Actor Ijaz Rana is set to make a dramatic return to Hollyoaks in the coming months, reprising his role as Imran and reuniting with Harvey Virdi, who plays his onscreen mum, Misbah.
Imran returns to the Chester village arm in arm with new girlfriend, Leah Barnes, in a major new recast.
Coronation Street star Charlotte Riley will make her Hollyoaks debut as the daughter of Set Hay.
Charlotte’s casting means Hollyoaks has now cast all three actors from Corrie’s big flashback for Kit Green’s past with Mick and Lou.
Actor Brook Debio plays Tony’s son Ant and Lewis Walton will play a new character as part of the show’s newest family.
But now Charlotte’s joining the cast as Leah – and with a major storyline as she has found love with Imran in their time away from the village.
Their families share a difficult history as, back in 2019, Ste was groomed into a far-right radicalisation group and targeted the Maalik family.
However, brand-new images of the young couple tease a happy new beginning.
Imran Maalik left the village in 2023 to move in with his brother Sami with an exciting job opportunity in London whilst Leah Barnes headed off to university in America back in 2024.
Talking about returning to Hollyoaks, Ijaz said: “Coming back to the village feels like home.
“It’s an honour to step into Imran again, and he hasn’t been quiet off-screen… I can’t wait for everyone to see what he’s been up to.”
Charlotte added “It feels like a dream to be joining Hollyoaks.
“I’m looking forward to viewers seeing a new side to Leah Barnes.”
