Exclusive: Hollyoaks confirms “massive” Imran and Leah wedding twist
Ijaz Rana chats to us about what's in store.
Hollyoaks spoilers follow.
Hollyoaks star Ijaz Rana has promised a “massive” storyline outcome next week, as Imran Maalik’s wedding day arrives. Imran is due to head down the aisle with Leah Barnes, who has risked their entire future by having a secret affair with Prince McQueen.
Imran has grown suspicious that his fiancée and best mate could be betraying him, but Leah brushed off his concerns. Next week, Imran disappears on the day of the wedding, and when he eventually shows, he delivers a confession which could derail the occasion.
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Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy when we paid a visit to the Hollyoaks set for the filming of the wedding, Rana promised that fans of the soap can expect some big scenes as Imran’s surprise plays out.
“It’s a lovely opportunity for everyone to come together and do a big, massive couple of scenes,” said the actor, who returned to the Channel 4 soap earlier this year after a three-year break.
“The energy in the air is quite nice as well, so it’s been great. Obviously he loves Leah from the bottom of his heart. He says in one of the scenes that he’s given her his whole world and loves her so much.
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“Finding out about his fiancée’s betrayal would probably be more of a heartbreak. But having said that, Prince is his best friend. Imagine being in that situation – you don’t know how you’d react!”
Asked whether he always knew the story’s outcome, Rana explained: “I knew that there would be bumps in the road. I didn’t know exactly what they were going to be.
“But I knew there’d be something massive that happens – and this is it! The wedding – what an event to do it at! I didn’t know exactly about the wedding but I knew there’d be a massive bump in the road for Leah and Imran.”
The couple have arranged a multi-faith celebration, which takes place in the middle of the village. While Imran’s millions mean that he could afford a more lavish ceremony elsewhere, he and Leah have focused on bringing the community together.
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Discussing his wedding outfit, Rana added: “We had a bunch of different options, and obviously being [a part] of this culture myself, the colour red is significant on the wedding day.
“So when the red was chosen I said ‘we have to have this outfit’ and hopefully it’s doing it justice. I’m happy with it, and hopefully it looks good on screen with Charlotte [Riley, who plays Leah] as well. I’m really happy with it.”
