Exclusive: Hollyoaks plans downfall for Leah and Imran after triumphant return

Hollyoaks spoilers follow.

Hollyoaks newcomer Charlotte Riley has teased trouble ahead for her character Leah Barnes, not long after her return to the village.

In scenes airing next week, Leah will return to Hollyoaks village after initially leaving to go to university in America. However, she won’t be alone – joining her will be her new boyfriend Imran Maalik.

Lime Pictures

Parents Ste Hay and Misbah Maalik will be shocked to find that their children are dating – and even more shocked to discover that they’re now millionaires due to Imran’s career in tech.

Despite the young couple’s initial blaze of glory, Charlotte hints that things won’t remain so sunny for long, and teases that there’ll be trouble ahead for both of them as she sits down for a chat with Inside Soap.

“Leah is trying to be this new version of herself, but she may step on toes that she shouldn’t,” she says. “There will be a lot of twists and turns ahead and things could potentially come back around to bite both Leah and Imran…”

Previously played by Ela-May Demircan, the character of Leah has been recast to Charlotte for the big comeback – and Charlotte reveals that we can expect to see a different side to the character than the version who left for the States.

Lime Pictures

“She’s always been quite a confident person, but I think she’s more determined,” she reckons. “She’s got this ambition that I can relate to, and she will do anything that she’s passionate about.

“Leah has a new style and has American influences, but she’s got a lot about her underneath. She’s got a big heart, and while some things she does might be taken in the wrong way, she never means any harm.”