CORONATION Street said goodbye to Zeedan Nazir for a new life in London after actor Qasim Akhtar revealed he had re-embraced religion.
The chef – who is played by actor Qasim in the ITV soap opera – reunited with his ex-wife Marrium in Friday night’s episode and is off to a new life in London.
His exit comes after the Nazir family was thrown into turmoil with his sister Alya stabbed in a terrorist attack.
Viewers watched as she assured Zeedan that she was stronger than he thought and she encouraged him to leave the cobblestones behind for a new life.
However, off-screen actor Qasim is still a cast member of the soap opera.
The Sun can confirm he remains a cast member – but will return for occasional visits rather than regular appearances.
Qasim joined the soap in 2014 and remained a regular before stepping down in 2018.
He made a comeback in 2021 but just two years later he will reduce his appearances.
It comes after the actor spoke about re-embracing his Islamic faith after struggling for years with his fame and lifestyle.
He said: “August 2020, after years of overindulgence, procrastination, gratifying people, self-doubt, bad company, anxiety, bad decisions and just pure discontent, no matter how much money i attained from fame or worldly things i finally accepted that something was gone and i was lying to myself that life was good and i was happy when in reality it was the opposite.
“It was at that moment of acceptance that I knew serious changes had to be made, so I decided to explore an avenue that I had always avoided because I didn’t want to give up a lifestyle. which I thought I loved because it didn’t correlate with religion but I swear to God the void I carried for so long is gone and I know now that nothing else would have ever filled that void.
“The journey I took being a recluse was about finding myself when I was lost living aimlessly seeking happiness in all the wrong places, reconnecting with my family, understanding what it really means to be a Muslim, not just in name but in deed, by seeking knowledge about this beautiful religion of Islam which I have neglected all my life and most importantly by establishing a relationship with the creator of this profound universe.
He added: “I have spent the last 2 years feeding my soul and starving my desires and in October I traveled to a place I had never liked.
“The holiest land in the world for 2 billion Muslims around the world. Truly life changing.
“Don’t twist it, I still struggle every day we fight demons,” he added.
“But I am far from the dark place where I once was.
“My loved ones know the sacrifices I have made and the path I have travelled.
“Alhamdulillah. All praise to the highest. Stay humble and have gratitude for life is full of trials and tribulations and you will be tested but a wise man once said “He who has true peace and contentment in his heart, no calamity will depress this individual”.
“One Love.”
Qasim’s Corrie co-stars shared their reactions to his words with Sally Carman, writing, “Thrilled for you my friend.”
Brooke Vincent said, “Love that pride of you!”
Ryan Clayton added: “Big love bro.”
