Corrie legend Dev Alahan and his family are to be rocked by financial worries following the coronavirus crisis.
The proud dad is suffering serious cash-flow problems on Coronation Street after sending his twins Aadi and Asha private school and his kebab shop business is struggling.
The businessman, who also owns the corner shop, faces selling his beloved Prima Doner, which has been a Weatherfield favourite since it opened in 2009, and he brings in an estate agent.
"Dev has got some serious financial worries because of his kids," explained actor Jimmi Harkishin who has played Dev in the soap for almost 20 years.
"And his business isn't doing too well. He's absolutely struggling.
"He brings an estate agent to the kebab shop. It's quite serious.
"Things aren't going very well. Lockdown has had an effect."
Explaining Dev's situation further he said: "He used to have other shops, he had a gym and that didn't work out.
"He had to sell that and these kids aren't cheap.
"He's not earning as much and he's worried.
"The new school is costing him an arm and a leg.
"He's trying to be protective like a good father. He's out of his depth.
"It's so well written and researched. You feel for everybody."
Dev gave the teenage twins a fresh start after nude images of Asha, which were meant for her teen crush Corey Brent, were found and shared on a group chat by Kelly Neelan and then circulated online.
Asked what ideally Dev would do to get out of this situation, he replied: "I think he wants a nice arranged marriage for Asha doesn't he to get her off his hands?
"But no, he doesn't know.
"He's clutching at straws. He thinks if he sells the kebab shop that's one less worry.
"Everything he's doing is to protect these two. He's not spending it on bags and shoes for himself."
Crippled by school fees, Dev suffered further anguish when he caught Asha kissing Corey.
"He's devastated. He doesn't understand it.
"After everything this boy has done and the problems he's caused.
"He can't understand why she would do this.
"Me personally I kind of understand it. It's something that got out of hand and she keeps saying 'it wasn't Corey.'"
He added: "No-one comes out of this as an out and out bad person.
"Technology is moving so much faster. I can't make a Zoom call."
