Sair Khan
Sair Khan has been cast in a brand new role on Coronation Street.
The 26-year-old actress, whose only prior TV role was an appearance on 'Doctors', has been selected by bosses of the ITV soap as they hope she will be able to attract as much male attention as the departing stunner who plays Tina McIntyre.
Sair will be part of the first Muslim family to ever feature in the Manchester based soap and will play Alya, the daughter of personal trainer Khalid "Kal" Nazir played by former 'EastEnders' star Jimi Mistry.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Alya is a good-looking girl who has just graduated from university and is back living with her family.
"She mixes brains and beauty so you can imagine there are going to be a few of the men of Weatherfield who will be interested in her.
"Alya is both intelligent and intriguing when she comes in."
Although Sair has more experience in theatre than television, she is said to have impressed in her auditions and as Michelle is set to be killed off next month, less than two years after fellow beauty Helen Flanagan abandoned her role as Sophie Webster, bosses are reportedly keen to introduce some new eye candy.
The source added: "Despite limited experience, Sair did brilliantly in auditions and now we just can't wait for her and the rest of the new family to get started."
Sair's first scenes will be aired in June.
Tagged in Helen Flanagan Michelle Keegan Jimi Mistry