Coronation Street star Qasim Akhtar is about to bid farewell to the long-running ITV soap, which he joined in 2014.
It is claimed Qasim, who plays Weatherfield chef Zeedan Nazir, has made the decision to leave the show to pursue other opportunities.
“Qasim has been really popular among the cast and viewers but has decided he wants to do other things in the short term,” a source told The Sun.
“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.”
According to the publication, ITV bosses intend to leave the door open for Qasim, who told producers he was quitting the show late last year.
A Coronation Street spokesman said: “Qasim is a talented actor who has been involved in some great storylines. We wish him every success for the future.”
Qasim, who has appeared in shows such as Waterloo Road, Doctors and Shameless, has worked on some gripping storylines while on Coronation Street.
In fact, he featured in the show’s first ever Muslim wedding, marrying Rana Habeeb (played by Bhavna Limbachia) who later fell in love with Kate Connor (Faye Brookes).
The reason behind Zeedan’s recording is unknown, though it is likely he will use the footage to betray Rana.
Will Zeeban share the video with Rana’s parents? Or could he be using it to build a case for grounds for divorce?
Nevertheless, Rana spots him and the pair get into a huge argument about Zeedan’s behaviour.
Express.co.uk has contacted Coronation Street and ITV for comment.
Coronation Street continues tonight on ITV at 7.30pm and 8.30pm.
