ZEEDAN’S BLAZE HORROR

Speed Daal burns down with someone inside this week – but who’s to blame? We ask Corrie’s Qasim Akhtar

Zeedan’s dodgy dealing could lead to tragedy in Coronation Street this week when Speed Daal goes up in flames with someone trapped inside. The drama leaves Zeedan fearing the worst – that he might end up being the chief suspect in a murder inquiry.

But the businessman’s only got himself to blame. Since cheating on his wife, her gangster dad Hashim has been forcing him to launder money through the restaurant. Things get nasty when first Zeedan’s furious sister Alya finds out what’s going on and then their van containing Hashim’s dirty cash is stolen.

Zeedan is told to repay the money – Hashim suggests burning down the restaurant for an insurance payout – or his granny Yasmeen’s home will get torched.

‘When Hashim first mentions the insurance scam, Zeedan can’t believe what he’s hearing but quickly realises it may be a solution,’ explains actor Qasim Akhtar, who plays Zeedan.

‘He’s so stressed because he’s hiding his infidelity from his family and also laundering money under their noses. You can only imagine the pressure he’s facing.

‘If Hashim’s proposal goes to plan –andhegetsawaywithit–hisproblems will be solved. He knows he has no choice, it isn’t easy, but he’s determined to do what needs to be done.’

As the flames take hold, Zeedan is horrified to discover there’s a person inside – but is he the arsonist?

While Qasim won’t reveal whether Zeedan or someone else is to blame, he says Zeedan is fully aware of the potential consequences.

‘It isn’t until afterwards that the thought of his dad hits him,’ says Qasim, referring to the death of Zeedan’s father, Kal, in a fire in 2015.

‘When he realises someone is inside and might die, he understands he’d be the suspect in a murder inquiry.’

Qasim also admits Zeedan’s actions could have huge consequences for his family, with Alya telling him she’ll never forgive him. ‘He loves his gran and sister to bits, but has let them both down and brought danger to their door,’ he says.

Qasim and his character took a break from Weatherfield in 2018 and the actor says that Zeedan has changed. ‘He has a different outlook on life; he’s more mature, savvy and

business-minded. He went away a boy and has come back a man.’

And the time off’s been good for Qasim too. ‘I’ve worked solidly since I was 13 so I was ready for a break. I visited many countries including Pakistan; I got to see my family and reconnect with my roots. It’s also helped me grow as an actor; I feel refreshed and better able to do the job.’

And Qasim says when he returned it was like he’d never left. ‘Within five minutes I felt like I’d come home. I’m loving every minute.’