Jimmi Harkishin has been at the centre of some explosive storylines during two decades on Coronation Street - but tonight's episode could top them all.
The Corrie veteran first started playing shop owner Dev Alahan in November 1999, winding up on the cobbles after roles in Casualty, Jonathan Creek and the film East is East.
Jimmi was actually born in Paris, France with the name Rajan Harkishindas to an Indian father and Italian mother - with his acting career beginning in 1986.
Over the years, ladies man Dev has had affairs, a steamy relationship with Deidre Barlow, nearly been blown up and became a single dad after the mother of his twins was murdered.
Thankfully life hasn't been quite as volatile for Jimmi, who has been a Corrie constant for 22 years aside from a few well-publicised breaks from the ITV soap.
Back in 2004, Jimmi temporarily exited the cobbles following revelations about his private life.
For more of the news you care about, straight to your inbox, sign up for one of our daily newsletters here.
A spokesperson for Granada said the actor had been granted indefinite leave to sort out his "problems" and had their full support.
"Both Granada and Jimmi recognise he has some problems that he needs to sort out," a spokesperson said.
"He will be taking a break from the show while he seeks help to deal with these issues.
"This is with the full support of the Company, Coronation Street and his colleagues."
Jimmi had already filmed five weeks' worth of scenes in advance and storylines were re-written to explain his absence.
Then in April 2014, the soap stalwart announced he was taking another break as he was understood to be exhausted from the relentless filming schedule.
Show officials confirmed the actor was planning to take the time off after making a formal request with producers, but insisted he would definitely return.
Confirming the break A Corrie spokesperson said this week: "It was agreed way in advance, and other actors who have been on the show a long time have done the same thing from time to time and taken a sabbatical."
During that time he planned to go travelling with his daughter before she goes off to university.
Jimmi has two children with ex-partner Susan Beaton, who he had been with since 1991, but it is understood they are no longer together.
As well as two actual kids, Jimmi is like an actual dad off-screen to Tanisha Gorey, who has played Dev's daughter Asha since 2009.
"I think because I’ve known him for so, so long, I’ve literally grown up with him. It’s been 12 years this year – that’s most of my life," said Tanisha.
"He’s always there for advice. A hundred percent, he’s like a father figure to me. He’ll sit down and talk with me and make time for me, if I need it."
After two decades you might forgive Jimmi for getting bored on the cobbles, but he has no intention of getting another job anytime soon.
Last year, the actor told the Mirror he couldn't think of a better way to earn a living than plying his trade in Weatherfield.
"I just love it. I’m an actor and I get to act every week," he explained.
"Coronation Street is just this brilliant, brilliant programme, to work for. It feels like home and I never forget how fortunate I am to do something I love.
"I think to myself, ‘Is there anything I’d really like to go out there and do more than I like doing Corrie?’ The answer to that is, ‘No’. If there was, I’d do it."
The actor is pleased with how his character has developed over the years, going from a lothario to a devoted father.
"After 20 years they’ve developed and grown the character," he added.
“Obviously I’m different than I was 20 years ago. I’m 20 years older and I’m playing a father now. I’m not this reluctant heart-throb anymore. It’s just nice and a lovely way to grow up and live.”
His character's most dramatic moment is seemingly still to come as Dev will be heavily involved in a dramatic week of Corrie action.
While taking his kids on a family holiday, Dev takes a wrong turn down a country lane during a violent storm and tragedy strikes.
In dramatic scenes, their car collides with a prison van taking injured drug dealer Harvey to hospital as he attempts to escape, resulting in a massive fireball after the crash.
Dev faces the impossible choice of deciding which of his children, Aadi or Asha, to save before the vehicle bursts into flames.
Jimmi revealed the explosive stunt "took his breath away" - but will it be the end for Dev or one of his kids?
The Corrie crew got through thousands of litres of water for the episode as they filmed under rain bars at night and Jimmi had been "really anxious" about filming the scene.
Explaining why, he said: "You can only blow the car up once, there are no second takes. It really took my breath away. It was jaw-dropping."
*Coronation Street airs tonight on ITV at 7.30pm and 8.30pm
Have you got a story to share? We want to hear all about it. Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk
