Coronation Street star Qasim Akhtar quits show to try new projects
HE was a trailblazer as part of Coronation Street’s first Muslim family but Qasim Akhtar’s time on the cobbles is over.
The actor, Zeedan Nazir on the soap, has quit.
The rising star, who appeared in shows including Waterloo Road, Doctors and Shameless, wants to try his hand at another project after nearly four years in Weatherfield.
A source said: “Qasim has been really popular among the cast and viewers but has decided he wants to do other things in the short term.
“He was a successful actor before he came onto Corrie so is looking forward to having another crack at something new. It was entirely his decision to leave.
Bosses are hoping that in leaving the door open, he will return one day.”
Qasim told ITV bosses late last year that he wanted to go.
A Corrie spokeswoman said: “Qasim is a talented actor who has been involved in some great storylines.
“We wish him every success for the future.”
Qasim, introduced in 2014, featured in the show’s first ever Muslim wedding, marrying Rana Habeeb — played by Bhavna Limbachia — before she fell in love with Kate Connor, leaving him heartbroken.
Viewers have seen Rana face a backlash from her family and be forced to continue a sham relationship with Zeedan.
Yesterday the former couple were seen filming in Manchester — as Zeedan turned up to a pub where Rana and Kate are partying with pals.
He surreptitiously films the women, before he’s clocked and they have a furious row.
Insiders say his exit storyline will revolve around the lesbian couple before he dramatically exits permanently in the summer.
No one ever leaves a soap quietly.
READ ON FOR MORE OF DAN WOOTTON'S BIZARRE TV COLUMN
Bold Pete's wet feet
WET feet might have been a more appropriate title as filming for series eight of Cold Feet kicked off with some dramatic scenes.
James Nesbitt (Adam) was seen helping John Thomson (Pete) rescue a man from a canal.
They were then spotted having a heated discussion as the ITV cameras rolled in Manchester. The commotion attracted a lot of attention from the public, with the drizzly weather making the scene even more grim.
But viewers will have to wait until 2019, when the episode airs, to discover the story behind the rescue of the red-headed man.
Hopefully the actors will have dried off by then.
Reshoot was a big ordeal
THE BBC had to remake nearly a quarter of big budget drama Ordeal By Innocence, at a rumoured cost of £2million.
Bosses decided to reshoot the Agatha Christie whodunnit in January without Ed Westwick after he was accused of sexual assault, which he denies.
It was a real challenge as some scenes shot in 12 days of freezing January were set in the summer.
Executive producer James Pritchard said: “We had to reshoot 42 minutes and 35 scenes. A lot of work and time had gone into it and we didn’t want to lose it.”
The drama, which starts at 9pm on Sunday, was scheduled to run over Christmas.
The cast is led by Bill Nighy and Christian Cooke took Ed’s role.
Writer Sarah Phelps said: “Bill was staunch. To be able to say we had one of the most famous and recognisable actors there, in the cold, giving his all, makes you feel proud of the production.”
Paddy? It would be real nice
CHRISTINE McGUINNESS has only been on Real Housewives of Cheshire for five minutes and already her cast mates want more.
But for her next outing they want a familiar face with her – husband Paddy.
Fashion designer Seema Malhotra said: “She’s had to sit back and experience some barneys. I’d like to think she’d return for another series.
“So far we haven’t seen Paddy. I can’t see anyone minding if Paddy came on. I certainly wouldn’t mind.”
Seema says mum-of-two Christine decided to join the show for some “me time” after bringing up her autistic twins and having her marriage tested by Paddy’s cosy night out with pop star Nicole Appleton.
Seema added: “She was always off the scene. She’s been busy looking after the kids. She’s been through a lot.
“It’s been quite brave of her, and she wants a bit of ‘me time’. I wish her well – she’s going to be a great mix.”
bizbit
LOVE Island’s Kem Cetinay and Chris Hughes may be best pals but Kem won’t watch Chris in his show Crackin’ On with Olivia Attwood. He told Star mag: “I don’t want to be sucked in and have an opinion about their split.”
must watch
WHAT? Are You Autistic?, Channel 4, 10pm.
WHY? Anna Richardson investigates a lost generation of British adults who could be suffering with autism without knowing it.
MOST READ IN BIZARRE
SOAPBOX
PETE is chuffed when Ross agrees to go to the pub with him in Emmerdale, despite his scars.
Ross seems in a good mood as he is chatted up by a girl at the bar but his confidence takes a knock and he is left humiliated when he realises it is all part of a prank.
Pollard is very unhappy to hear how David has ruined his relationship with Tracy after his cheating confession.
In Hollyoaks, Glenn plans to set up Shane as the main suspect for Trigger’s murder while Adam explains to DS Roxy that he was the anonymous tipster.
Later on, Glenn orders Adam to complete a job that will give a stern warning to Shane.