Coronation Street legend quits the soap - with viewers caught off guard by abrupt exit
Coronation Street fans were left taken aback as a fan favourite made an unannounced exit from Weatherfield. Ayla Nazir, played by actress Sair Khan, left the cobbles in a taxi in an understated departure, which aired during Wednesday's episode.
The moment was understandably overshadowed by the drama surrounding Lauren Bolton's disappearance and Nathan Curtis' return. Ayla has headed to Dublin for a six-month work placement with Fabian's law firm.
In real life, actress Sair, 36, is pregnant with her first child and due to give birth any day now. She and boyfriend Nathan Chilton announced they are due to become parents back in December.
Viewers had been expecting Ayla to leave due to Sair's pregnancy, but her departure happened with little fanfare and she was quietly waved off by her gran Yasmeen. It also came just two episodes after a new storyline for Ayla was teased.
She began exploring a romantic connection with former boss Adam Barlow in shock scenes, with the pair sharing a passionate kiss. This had sparked hope from fans that a new relationship would be blossoming, but Ayla's new job in Ireland meant the pair put their romance to a stop.
However, it seems Corrie bosses could be set to pick up the story when Ayla returns. Yasmeen hinted that Ayla was pining after Adam, as she said: "I can sense the tension between the both of you."
Ayla insisted nothing could happen with Adam now that she was moving away, but she also said she wouldn't be looking for love while in Dublin either. Yasmeen asked: "Maybe you can find a nice Irish lad without complications?"
"Why do I have to find any boy? I'd rather just go and do my job," Ayla hit back, appearing to hint she may wait for Adam. He also gave her a departing present - a book on law teachings which he signed with "Love Adam x".
While their relationship may seem unexpected, both have had their fair share of heartbreak in the past and could be just what each other needs to help heal and move on.
Over the years Alya has been romantically involved with Gary Windass (Mikey North), Luke Britton (Dean Fagan), and Ryan Connor (Ryan Prescott). She ended things with the latter in 2021 after he was suspected of being unfaithful with Daisy Midgeley (Charlotte Jordan).
On the other hand, Adam's marriage to Sarah Barlow (Tina O'Brien) recently ended after she left him for Damon Hays (Ciarán Griffiths).
