Exclusive: Hollyoaks rules out Imran and Lucas theory as flashback is confirmed

Hollyoaks is set to air a special flashback episode next week that will finally reveal to viewers the identity of Imran’s mysterious love interest.

For a while now, it has been known that before he crossed paths with Leah in America, Imran was in a relationship with someone else – and he admitted in a video confession that he was still in love with them.

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But it seems this person is a lot closer to home than initially thought, as after Imran and Leah’s wedding day fell apart, Imran’s former flame showed up at the houseboat.

This mystery remains up in the air for now, but on Monday 19 October, Hollyoaks will confirm the identity of Imran’s ex in a special flashback episode that explores their relationship from LA to Hollyoaks and casts recent events in a new light.

Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy and Inside Soap about Imran’s hidden romance, ahead of the truth being unveiled, actor Ijaz Rana teased: "It’s somebody that you would never expect!

"The two characters crossed paths in a very unexpected scenario and there were sparks from there. There’s a whole butterfly effect from that initial moment."

While remaining tight-lipped about the mystery, Ijaz officially confirmed one character who definitely isn’t romantically linked to Imran – Leah’s brother Lucas.

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"I’ve been reading what viewers are thinking," he remarked, "and I would definitely say the general consensus is wrong about who it is! A lot of fans want it to be Lucas, but I can confirm it’s a mystery woman."

Back in the present day, Leah, who is hopeful about a reunion with Imran, is left heartbroken next week when she discovers his secret confession in the deleted folder on his computer.

When she plays the clip, she finds out that Imran still has feelings for his ex-girlfriend – but will she also find out her identity?

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Imran’s girlfriend isn’t the only bombshell exposed in this flashback episode, as alongside this, the truth about a mystery which has gripped the village for months finally unravels.

Speaking about filming this huge episode, Ijaz told us: "It was one of the most enjoyable shoots we’ve been on.

"It’s nice to have a special episode centred around Imran’s backstory. I wanted to know what had been going on with Imran while I’ve been away and this episode gives a broader view."

Hollyoaks airs on Mondays-Wednesdays with its Channel 4 streaming premiere at 7am, then an E4 broadcast the same night at 7pm. Full episodes are also released on YouTube a week after their Channel 4 release.

Selected omnibus episodes are available via Prime Video.

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