Jimi Mistry has revealed he is leaving Coronation Street – teasing fans that his exit storyline will see a 'fantastic twist' for his character.
The former EastEnders star arrived on the cobbles in 2013 as personal trainer Khalid ‘Kal’ Nazir, and it has now been confirmed he will bow out later this year.
Jimi told the Daily Mirror: “When I was told about this storyline I felt it was a brilliant way to say goodbye to Kal and I am really looking forward to filming my departure scenes.
Kal is in a relationship with Leanne (ITV)
“I want to thank Stuart [Blackburn, the producer] and the team for giving me the opportunity to be part of such a fantastic show. This is the longest I have ever been in one job and I have enjoyed it immensely.”
Gym owner Kal has been a love interest for Leanne Tilsley (Jane Danson), but viewers have seen Kal’s overbearing mother Yasmeen (Shelley King) trying to split them up.
Coronation Street producer Stuart Blackburn revealed: “Kal’s departure will be a big part of the fantastic spring and summer of drama on Coronation Street.
Kal’s mum is desperate to split him up from Leanne (ITV)
“We discussed the plot idea with Jimi and we all feel it is a great storyline which will have huge ramifications for the Nazirs and Leanne going forward.
“Jimi is a talented actor and an asset to the show and we will be sorry to see him go, but this is a fantastic exit storyline. There are still many twists and turns for the character in the coming months.”
