Jimmi Harkishin takes break from Corrie

Jimmi Harkishin has taken a break from Coronation Street.

The 46-year-old actor, who plays Dev Alahan in the soap, decided to take time off to grieve after the death of his father Deepak Harkishindas earlier this week.

An industry insider told The Sun: "It's a difficult time for Jimmi but everybody on the programme has been very supportive. He was meant to be filming yesterday but really needed to have some time off to cope with his loss.

"It will be hard for Jimmi when he returns to work but everyone will understand and try to do what they can to help him."

It is believed that Harkishin, who was born Rajan Harkishindas, will return to the set next Tuesday.

Harkishin's co-star Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle Connor in the show, took time off to have baby daughter Polly earlier this year but recently confirmed that she and Keith Duffy will return in September this year.