Tensions Boil Over on the Cobbles: Sair Khan Sparks Backstage Drama Amid Brand Deal Controversy on Coronation Street

In the heart of Weatherfield, the drama has leapt from the screen to behind the scenes, as Coronation Street finds itself at the center of an off-camera storm. Longtime cast member Sair Khan has unwittingly ignited what insiders are calling a “backstage war” with a seemingly innocent Instagram post — but in the high-stakes world of television fame, nothing is ever quite as simple as it seems.

The 37-year-old actress, who has played the ambitious and sharp-witted Alya Nazir since 2014, shared a photo of eco-friendly PureBorn bamboo baby diapers on social media. At first glance, it appeared to be a sweet nod to her one-year-old son, whom she shares with partner Nathan Chilton. But for many within the Corrie cast, it was the latest spark in an escalating conflict over alleged favoritism and the unequal treatment of stars when it comes to lucrative commercial endorsements.

Brand Deals Stir the Pot

Sair’s post, tagged with promotional mentions and a “#gifted” label, came just days after fellow Corrie veteran Samia Longchambon, 42, uploaded her own ad content — a cheerful Instagram reel plugging the seasonal menu at Marks & Spencer’s café, alongside her husband, Dancing on Ice professional Sylvain Longchambon.

The timing was more than coincidental. According to show insiders, both women are seen by colleagues as part of an unofficial “golden circle” — a term that has come to represent a group of cast members who, allegedly, receive preferential treatment from the soap’s executive team.

One actress, who spoke to The Sun under condition of anonymity, didn’t hold back: “It’s one rule for the polished PR favourites, and another for the rest of us. They wouldn’t even let most of us promote a teeth-whitening kit — meanwhile Samia’s out there posing with pastries.”

That sentiment, echoed in whispered conversations throughout the studio lot, speaks to a deeper unrest. With Coronation Street facing financial strain — including tighter filming schedules, reduced hours for actors, and revamped scripts to stretch airtime — tensions over pay and outside income have reached a boiling point.

The Double Standard

At the heart of the controversy is ITV’s strict commercial policy, which states that any promotional work undertaken by cast members must be pre-approved. The policy, designed to protect both the integrity of the show and its business relationships, is not new — but its enforcement has come under sharp scrutiny in recent months.

“People have been told time and again: no ads, no brand deals, no endorsements,” the unnamed actress continued. “But then we see Samia in a high-production ad for M&S and Sair flaunting a high-end Italian oven like it’s part of her storyline. It’s maddening.”

That oven, a sleek £2,500 Bertazzoni range cooker, was the centerpiece of another recent post by Khan. Drenched in designer kitchen lighting and backed by a polished reel, it was a world away from the cobbled streets of Weatherfield. For many, the contrast was symbolic — highlighting a growing divide between the show’s elite and its rank-and-file cast.

A Fractured Set

Samia, who has portrayed hairdresser-turned-councilor Maria Connor on and off since 2000, is no stranger to the spotlight. Her long tenure on the show, coupled with her celebrity couple status alongside Sylvain, has made her a tabloid favorite. But that visibility has also made her a lightning rod for controversy.

Sair, for her part, has maintained a lower profile — until now. Known for her compelling portrayal of Alya, a character often embroiled in social justice storylines, Sair’s real-life involvement in this very public dispute adds a layer of irony to the current storm. Her followers may see a proud mother embracing eco-friendly choices, but for her castmates, the post was a red flag.

The unspoken rule among many actors is clear: don’t upset the balance. Yet with showrunners tightening belts across departments, frustration is giving way to quiet rebellion.

“People are keeping quiet because they don’t want to rock the boat or lose their jobs,” the insider said. “But the anger is real. Why are some allowed to cash in while the rest of us are left scrambling?”

A Symptom of a Larger Crisis

The scandal comes at a precarious time for Coronation Street, which remains one of the UK’s most beloved and enduring television dramas. As previously reported, the long-running soap is grappling with a significant budget shortfall. Production is being scaled back, scenes are being rewritten to fill time, and several cast members have been moved to part-time contracts.

In this climate, the stakes of every decision — and every social media post — are heightened.

A spokesperson for Coronation Street responded with a brief statement: “We do not discuss individual cases, but the cast are aware that all requests for commercial deals go through an approvals process and are dealt with on a case-by-case basis.”

That case-by-case clause has become a source of resentment for many. While ITV insists it maintains a fair and consistent policy, discontent among the cast suggests a different reality — one where relationships, reputation, and perceived marketability determine access to outside earnings.

Fallout and Future Tensions

As the backstage tensions continue to simmer, fans of the show are beginning to take notice. Social media has already begun dissecting the controversy, with many expressing support for lesser-known cast members who, according to insiders, are unfairly blocked from monetizing their platform.

While neither Khan nor Longchambon has publicly addressed the brewing controversy, both continue to post promotional content — a signal, perhaps, that they see themselves firmly on the right side of the rules.

But for a show built on secrets, betrayals, and interpersonal drama, this latest real-life saga may prove more compelling than anything currently on screen.

In the world of Coronation Street, it seems the most gripping storylines are no longer confined to fiction. As ITV works to stabilize its finances and cast morale, one thing is certain: the cobbles may never feel the same again.

Would you like a breakdown of the key characters involved or more context on ITV’s endorsement rules?