Coronation Street star confirms excitement for Leanne’s future after ‘miserable life’

Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) has been through the wringer over the last few years in Coronation Street, but it seems the future will be more positive for the iconic character.

Poor Leanne’s life fell apart when she was indoctrinated into a sinister cult in 2024, which led to the end of her relationship with Nick Tilsley (Ben Price). To rub salt into the wound, he moved on with her sister, Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor), which caused a rift between the siblings for several months.

However, things are looking up for Leanne these days. Her latest business venture, Speed Daal, is doing well, and newcomer Idris Nazir (Junade Khan) has swept her off her feet.

‘I think it’s fair to say that he’s come in with a bit of a bang, and he’s got straight in there,’ actress Jane Danson said during an appearance on This Morning.

‘Leanne’s historically been quite well known for lots of relationships, and she wastes no time getting her hooks on the new guy – even though he did actually pursue her!’

Viewers will recall that Idris impressed Leanne when he stood up for Brody Michaelis (Ryan Mulvey) against some difficult Speed Daal customers. He was equally impressed when she fended off a mugger, and the pair ended up kissing over drinks in the Rovers that afternoon.

‘She’s having a great time,’ Jane said. ‘I think what we’re learning is that he’s a bit of a lovable rogue. He’s got a bit of an edge to him. I think because Leanne’s a bit edgy herself and a bit feisty, she quite likes that, and she’s quite drawn to that kind of edginess that he’s carrying around the street.’

This more upbeat storyline has been enjoyable for Jane, who said: ‘She’s had quite a miserable life, shall we say, so I’m quite enjoying the fact that Leanne’s smiling a little bit more at the moment.’

But it isn’t just Leanne’s love life that is set to cause excitement in upcoming scenes, as Jane has promised rivalry between Leanne and Nick and their restaurants.

‘She’s doing some fun things, and there’s loads coming up. And also, just because her and Nick have split up doesn’t mean that they won’t work together,’ Jane teased.

‘So, our characters are going to cross paths, but maybe not in the usual way. There might be a little bit of fighting and a little bit of mind games here and there in the future. But we’re looking forward to what they’ve got coming up.

‘[Leanne and Idris are] potentially working together in Speed Daal, and we’ve got Toyah and Nick in the Bistro. So, there’s a potential for a bit of restaurant wars, maybe.’

Could Leanne be set to finally get her happy ever after? Is Idris the man for her? And who will come out on top in the war of the restaurants?