Qasim Akhtar is quitting the cobbles, it has been revealed.
The actor, who plays Zeedan Nazir in Coronation Street, is leaving the soap to pursue other projects.
According to The Sun, Qasim wants to try other shows after four years in Weatherfield.
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A source told the newspaper: “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.”
However, according to the insider, bosses have left the door open for the actor in the hope he will one day return.
Qasim joined the soap in 2014 as part of Coronation Street’s first Muslim family, and featured in the show’s first ever Muslim wedding.
Some of his more controversial storylines have included finding out his wife Rana was in a lesbian relationship with best pal Kate Connor.
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And, more recently, a confused Zeedan tried it on with his ex step-mum!
Qasim previously appeared in the likes of Waterloo Road, Doctors and Shameless.
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.”
So how will they write him out? Expect fireworks!
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