Sair Khan has admitted the darker direction ‘Coronation Street’ has taken could change again with the upcoming change in producers.
The 30-year-old actress – who stars as Alya Nazir in the ITV soap – has opened up about the criticism over the number of more serious and emotional storylines lately, which have included Aidan Connor’s (Shayne Ward) suicide and David Platt (Jack P. Shepherd) being a victim of male rape under the charge of outgoing boss Kate Oates, who will be replaced by ‘Emmerdale’ head honcho Iain MacLeod.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz, Sair said: "I really have enjoyed the dark storylines. I know people have different opinions on it. It’s important to remember that every producer has a different style, so things are going to change again and audience tastes change over time – we have a lot of younger viewers now."
Following Aidan’s death, Sair’s character Alya has been handed control of the Underworld factory in his will, and the star admitted the emotional turn of events could be a turning point for the businesswoman.
She added: "Aidan’s death has been a turning point for her. When her dad died and when Luke died, that put her on a real downward spiral and she got so lost and didn’t know how to move on. With Aidan, she has realised she needs to look forward and she can’t let this damage her any more than it already has. The contents of the will help her to move forward."
Despite Alya not always being too popular with viewers, the actress behind the role insisted she feels like she has to be defensive of her character and the decisions she makes – which included changing the locks on the factory while the Connors were at Aidan’s funeral.
She admitted: "I really am. I kind of have to be! As an actor, you have to put yourself in your character’s shoes and justify actions which can sometimes be questionable. You really have to think back through the character’s journey to work out how they have got here.
"I don’t think anyone really wakes up in the morning and thinks ‘I’m just going to be a bitch.’ I am defensive over it as Alya really hasn’t had it easy."
Sair Khan enjoys Corrie’s darker edge
