Dev Alahan’s Smooth-Talking Legacy

For more than 25 years, Jimmi Harkishin has brought charm, wit, and just the right amount of chaos to Coronation Street as Dev Alahan, the suave shopkeeper with a flair for romance and self-inflicted drama. Since his debut in 1999, Dev has become one of Weatherfield’s most enduring characters—equal parts lothario and loveable fool.

But behind the comedy and charisma lies a fascinating backstory. In a recent interview, Jimmi revealed that his portrayal of Dev wasn’t born from a script—it was inspired by none other than Pakistani cricket legend and former Prime Minister, Imran Khan.

“When I first read the character brief, Dev was supposed to be a Brummie businessman,” Jimmi explained. “I tried the accent but couldn’t do it justice—it didn’t feel cool. So I went to the producer and said, ‘What if he had the charisma of Imran Khan—the Lion of Lahore?’ That’s how Dev was born.”

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Meeting Royalty and Superman

Over his 26 years on the cobbles, Jimmi’s Dev has become a global icon, earning fans in the most unexpected places. He recalls being left speechless after a royal invitation to Buckingham Palace, where he met the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

“I was introduced to Prince Philip and he said, ‘Are you one of us… or one of them?’ I said, ‘I’m one of them,’ and he said, ‘So am I.’”

Even Hollywood took notice. During a visit to Paris, Jimmi found himself sitting near Superman actor Henry Cavill. “He turned to me as he left and said, ‘Alright, Dev?’” Jimmi laughed. “When Superman knows who you are, you know you’ve made it.”

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Working with Denzel Washington

Before his Coronation Street fame, Jimmi worked alongside Denzel Washington in the 1988 film For Queen & Country. The actor recalls Washington’s humility and ambition on set: “He knocked on my trailer door and said, ‘I really want to be a big, award-winning film star. Do you have any advice?’” Jimmi smiled. “I told him a few things—and I’d say he did pretty well for himself after that.”

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The Deirdre Barlow Bedroom Scene That Shocked Viewers

Of all his storylines, none captured the nation’s attention quite like Dev’s brief fling with Coronation Street icon Deirdre Barlow, played by the late Anne Kirkbride. The scandalous storyline aired in 2001 and sent shockwaves through Weatherfield, sparking a dramatic love triangle involving Deirdre’s daughter Tracy and Ken Barlow.

Recalling the scene, Jimmi admitted he was nervous about the intimate filming. “I said to Anne, ‘About this scene… if I kiss you?’ She just threw her clothes off and jumped into bed. Then she said, ‘Right, I think I’ll have to take my glasses off for this!’”

Their chemistry made the moment one of the soap’s most talked-about affairs. Jimmi remembers it fondly, not for its shock value, but for Anne’s warmth and humour. “She had this sense of chaos that followed her everywhere, but she was wonderful to work with.”

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A Legacy of Laughter and Love

Now celebrating more than two decades on the Street, Jimmi remains grateful for the journey. From comedic chaos with Bernie Winters to heartfelt moments with his on-screen family, Dev Alahan continues to charm audiences—and shows no signs of slowing down.

“I still love Corrie,” Jimmi shared. “It’s home. Every storyline, every laugh, every bit of drama—it’s part of who I am now.”