Alya Nazir

Alya Nazir is the daughter of the late Kal and Jamila Nazir.

While out at a nightclub with her friend Siobhan Davies in June 2014, she met Gary Windass. Experiencing more problems with long-term partner Izzy Armstrong, a frustrated Gary asked Jason Grimshaw to accompany him on a night out. Alya instantly caught Gary's eye and after telling her that he was single, they shared a passionate kiss and spent the night together at Alya's flat.

The following morning, a now sober Gary was mortified that he'd woken up in Alya's bed and left as soon as he possibly could. Later that day, Ayla met her father - Kal - at V Court Fitness. Gary was shocked when he found out her identity and feared that she would tell either Kal or Izzy about their liaison. Alya however decided to keep the matter a secret as her family would be very disappointed in her, although she assured Gary that nothing had happened between them.

Deciding that she wanted to work at the gym until better career prospects came along, grandfather Sharif gave Ayla a job as a receptionist and demoted Gail McIntyre to cleaner.

After Gary's split from Izzy, it was clear there were feelings between Alya and Gary and in October 2014 they shared another kiss. They began a relationship during the following month, however chose to keep this a secret from everyone (including the Nazirs). While sharing a kiss in the Builder's Yard they were spotted by Kal's girlfriend Leanne Tilsley, who advised Alya that she should tell Kal, but she refused.

Alya lost her dad, Kal, during a fire which broke out at Victoria Court in May 2015. In deep mourning she got drunk and slept with Jason, although instantly regretted it. She got engaged to Gary, but the wedding was called off after he found out about their one-night stand and the pair separated.

Background information

 * Alya was introduced as part of the first ever Muslim family in the history of Coronation Street. Apart from a one-off appearance in Doctors in 2011, this is Sair Khan's first big role in television.

Quotes
"Best episode ever - Episode 1, Series 9... Vampire turbojet epic crash." (First line)