The heart of Weatherfield beats to the rhythm of its beloved residents, and few have been missed as keenly as Dev Alahan. For months, the corner shop has felt a little emptier, the street a touch quieter without his booming laugh and familiar presence. But now, in an exclusive revelation from the British Soap Awards red carpet, his on-screen daughter, Tanisha Gorey, who brings Asha Alahan to life, has delivered the news fans have been waiting for: Dev is coming home. This isn’t just a simple return; it’s a moment of relief, a reunion that promises to stir emotions and potentially reshape the lives of those he left behind.

The absence of Dev Alahan has been more than just a plot point; it’s been a tangible void on the cobbles since February. His hurried departure was shrouded in the urgent necessity of a family emergency – his auntie Gita, tragically, suffered a nasty fall in India, pulling Dev thousands of miles away to care for her. The narrative offered a plausible reason, but for dedicated viewers, the daily rhythm of Coronation Street felt subtly off without him. Little did many know, the real-life reason was equally compelling: Jimmi Harkishin, the seasoned actor behind Dev, had embarked on a well-deserved period of travel, exploring the world. Now, his wanderlust satisfied, he’s back, bringing Dev Alahan back to the heart of the show.

Speaking with an infectious enthusiasm, Tanisha Gorey couldn’t hide her delight. “Yes, Jimmi’s back after his long-awaited return,” she gushed, her words painting a vivid picture of a man who has truly lived life to the fullest. “He’s seen the world, doing everything that we all want to do! But he’s back now. He’s back filming and he’s back busy. It’s really good to have him back. He is really like a father to me and it’s so nice to see his face around the building again.” Her genuine affection for Jimmi shines through, underscoring the deep bonds forged on set, connections that translate into the authentic family dynamic we see on screen. A show source further confirmed that Jimmi returned to filming some time ago, meaning the wait for Dev’s re-appearance on our screens won’t be agonizingly long.

Dev’s departure wasn’t without its own drama. As he packed his bags for India, he had hoped his partner, Bernie Winter, would join him. But Bernie, ever pragmatic and fiercely loyal to her family, refused. The tragic loss of her son Paul had left Gemma in a vulnerable state, and Bernie knew her place was by her daughter’s side. Her decision, though heartbreaking for Dev, highlighted her unwavering commitment to her family, a testament to her resilient spirit.

And what an eventful period it has been for Bernie in Dev’s absence! Her life on the cobbles has been a whirlwind of startling revelations and terrifying encounters. First, the stunning discovery of her long-lost grandson, Brody Michaelis, following the shocking revelation that he is Kit Green’s son. This unearthed a new layer of family history, weaving complex new threads into the fabric of Bernie’s already intricate life. Then, in a truly terrifying ordeal, she was brutally kidnapped by the ruthless thug Mick Michealis, used as a pawn in his desperate revenge mission against Kit. Bernie has faced down danger, navigated shocking family secrets, and emerged, as always, with her wit and resilience intact.

The British Soap Awards 2025, held at London’s iconic Hackney Empire, served as the perfect backdrop for this exciting announcement, a celebration of the very best in British serial drama. As the ceremony airs this Thursday, June 5th, on ITV1 and ITVX, fans will undoubtedly be buzzing not just about the awards themselves, but about the impending return of a character who has been sorely missed.

Dev Alahan’s return is more than just a familiar face back behind the counter; it’s a promise of renewed storylines, emotional reunions, and the potential for new conflicts. How will his time away have changed him? Will he and Bernie pick up where they left off, or will the trials she faced in his absence have altered their dynamic irrevocably? And what new challenges await the Alahan family now that their patriarch is back?

Are you excited for Dev’s return? What storylines do you hope unfold now that he’s back on the cobbles? Share your thoughts below!