KELLY’S HERO!

Imran is fighting tooth and nail to get his foster daughter off her murder charge, says Corrie’s Charlie De Melo

There’s a fraught week in store for Coronation Street’s Imran as he faces a series of decisions that could determine the fate of his foster daughter. The lawyer is battling against the odds to get innocent Kelly off a wrongful charge of murdering Seb.

First, Imran gets an unwelcome blast from the past in the shape of his ruthless ex-wife Sabeen. She informs him she’s part of the expensive legal team of Kelly’s co-defendant Corey and he doesn’t stand a chance of securing Kelly’s acquittal.

Next, Imran has a chance to delay the trial. But if he does, it will make him very unpopular. Finally, he’s in turmoil over whether to advise Kelly to plead guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter, or stick to pleading not guilty to murder and risk life behind bars.

‘In Kelly, Imran sees a smart, fiery, intelligent young woman who he wants to break out from an unpleasant upbringing,’ explains Charlie De Melo, who plays him. ‘He’s obsessed, trying to match the work of a big, expensive legal team. He feels he has truth on his side and that’s enough to justify being a social pariah, having sleepless nights, and doing the work of dozens of people. But he’s burning himself out to everyone’s detriment.’

Sabeen’s arrival is ‘a very unwelcome shock’ for Imran, says Charlie, particularly when she warns him that her client, who killed Seb and is now trying to pin it on Kelly, has a stronger case than his co-defendant. ‘Imran and Sabeen’s marriage didn’t end well. And whereas Imran has integrity, she’s ruthless. While Imran is too closely invested, Sabeen’s cold dispassion may be more effective.’

Sabeen’s appearance will also cause issues between Imran and girlfriend Toyah. ‘Imran’s so focused on Kelly he’s stopped thinking about Toyah and her needs,’ says Charlie, 29.

When Corey’s identity is leaked, Imran decides to use it to hold up the trial, even if it means he’s hated by Weatherfield’s residents, including Seb’s mum, Abi. ‘Imran is intent on delaying the trial against Abi’s wishes because it will help bring justice for Seb,’ says Charlie. ‘While Abi just wants someone to be punished, Imran wants it to be the right person.’

But Imran’s biggest dilemma will arise when Kelly’s offered the chance to plead guilty to manslaughter. Whatever he decides, and whatever happens next, Charlie, who’s been in the show since 2017, has relished being a part of this plot. ‘It’s an important story I’m proud to be involved in,’ he says.

Despite now being established on Corrie, he still often feels ‘like the new boy’. ‘Some people I work with are icons of British TV. They’ve been on the show as long as my parents have been alive!’