Jimmi Harkishin has called for all communities in the UK to have the coronavirus vaccine.
Jimmi Harkishin
The 'Coronation Street' actor - who has played Dev Alahan on the cobbles since 1999 - has urged people to get their COVID jabs, after some conspiracy theorists wrongly claimed the vaccine contains meat and alcohol, which are banned in some religions.
He told The Sun newspaper: "We are all living in such difficult times but COVID-19 has been affecting the Asian communities disproportionately.
"Whatever the reasons for that, whether they are social or medical, it is very important for us to firstly follow the guidelines and secondly embrace the vaccination programme.
"I know there has been an awful lot of misinformation, rumour and speculation about the vaccine but I can’t stress how important the vaccine is in the battle against COVID.
"For the sake of yourself and your families, when you get contacted please please go for the vaccination."
This comes after Jimmi's 'Corrie' co-star Ellie Leach (Faye Windass) admitted filming on the soap feels safer than going to the supermarket, amid the pandemic.
She said: "We're so lucky to be able to still work, and it's so safe.
"You go to a supermarket and people are leaning over you.
"Whereas, at work we're not allowed near each other. We have to stay two metres apart at all times.
"I think that's why it's worked so well."
Last year, some of the older members of the 'Corrie' cast had a longer break due to them being more vulnerable to the virus, but John Whiston, Managing Director of Continuing Drama & Head of ITV in the North, recently admitted it felt "wrong" when the soap's senior citizens weren't part of the cast.
He said: "It would be very hard to imagine the Street without the Barlows.
"There was a point where we didn't have the senior citizens in our cast and it felt wrong.
"'Coronation Street' is a community and those characters are at the heart of that community.
"Some people have known them longer than people in their own lives. And they mean so much to our audience.
"It felt wrong for them not to be there, so it was fantastic we found a way to bring them back safely, and be at the heart of the show."
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