Amber Kalirai
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Amber Kalirai is a
fictional character In fiction, a character (or speaker, in poetry) is a person or other being in a narrative (such as a novel, play, radio or television series, music, film, or video game). The character may be entirely fictional or based on a real-life person, ...
from the
British British may refer to: Peoples, culture, and language * British people, nationals or natives of the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories, and Crown Dependencies. ** Britishness, the British identity and common culture * British English, ...
ITV ITV or iTV may refer to: ITV *Independent Television (ITV), a British television network, consisting of: ** ITV (TV network), a free-to-air national commercial television network covering the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islan ...
soap opera A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap opera" originated from radio dramas originally being sponsored ...
''
Coronation Street ''Coronation Street'' is an English soap opera created by Granada Television and shown on ITV since 9 December 1960. The programme centres around a cobbled, terraced street in Weatherfield, a fictional town based on inner-city Salford. Origi ...
'', played by
Nikki Patel Nikki Patel (born 5 July 1990) is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Amber Kalirai in the ITV soap opera '' Coronation Street'' from 2005 to 2009, then again from 2011 to 2012. Career Patel joined the cast of '' Coron ...
, the character first appeared on-screen during the episode airing on 9 November 2005. In May 2011 it was announced that Patel had returned to filming and Amber appeared again from 11 July 2011. Patel made her final appearance as Amber on 23 March 2012.


Storylines

The character is the previously-unknown daughter of
Dev Alahan Dev Alahan is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera '' Coronation Street''. Portrayed by Jimmi Harkishin, the character's first appearance was broadcast on 10 November 1999. He is the ex-husband of Sunita (Shobna Gulati) and fat ...
(
Jimmi Harkishin James "Jimmi" Harkishin (born Rajan Harkishindas; 19 March 1965) is an English actor best known for his role as shopkeeper Dev Alahan in ''Coronation Street'', which he has played continuously since 10 November 1999. He also played Ranjit in th ...
). She first appeared in November 2005, when her mum Ravinder was taken into hospital and she was looked after by her dad and his wife,
Sunita Alahan Sunita Alahan (also Parekh) was a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Shobna Gulati. She made her first screen appearance on 23 March 2001 and remained in the show until 2006, when the character ...
on the Street. Amber started helping out in the Corner Shop but her incessant chat wound up Dev. Initially, Dev did not want Amber in his life as he was married to Sunita at the time and Amber served as a reminder of his philandering ways. However, he warmed to her and she came to live with him after her mother Ravinder moved to Finland with her partner. She had a crush on fellow neighbour
David Platt David Andrew Platt (born 10 June 1966) is an English former professional football coach and player, who played as a midfielder. Born in Chadderton, Lancashire, Platt began his career as an apprentice at Manchester United before moving to Crewe ...
( Jack P. Shepherd) but he was initially unaware of her feelings. When he did confront her, she denied it. In early 2008, Amber began working at Valandros restaurant with
Leanne Battersby Leanne Battersby (also Tilsley and Barlow) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera '' Coronation Street'', played by Jane Danson. It was announced in February 1997 that a "family from hell" would be introduced to ''Coronation ...
(
Jane Danson Jane Danson (born Jane Elizabeth Dawson, 8 November 1978) is an English actress. She is known for her portrayal of Leanne Battersby in the ITV soap opera, ''Coronation Street'', between 1997 and 2000, and from 2004 onwards. Her other televisio ...
), Paul Clayton ( Tom Hudson) and Luigi until it was set alight by Paul. Dev then claimed that he did not want her anywhere near Paul. Amber has an infatuation from David after he has been trying to make his ex-girlfriend
Tina McIntyre Tina McIntyre is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Portrayed by Michelle Keegan, the character first appeared on-screen during the episode that was shown 7 January 2008. The character was central to ma ...
(
Michelle Keegan Michelle Elizabeth Keegan (born 3 June 1987) is an English actress, known for her roles as Tina McIntyre in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' and Sergeant Georgie Lane in the BBC drama series '' Our Girl''. Keegan also starred as Tra ...
) jealous, first by letting Amber use one of his gig ticket which Tina had refused. In August 2008, David invited Amber around to his house for lunch in a deliberate attempt to annoy Tina. Amber, unaware that she was being used, kissed a less than enthusiastic David. Unable to contain her anger any longer, Tina stormed around to the house demanding to know why David was playing these games, this interruption left Amber humiliated. She breaks up with her boyfriend
Darryl Morton Darryl Shane Morton is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera '' Coronation Street''. Portrayed by former ''Grange Hill'' actor Jonathan Dixon, the character first appeared onscreen during the episode airing on 18 March 2007. ...
( Jonathan Dixon) when she finds out he was going to leave her after her Dev paid him, although he changed his mind. She left Weatherfield to attend a university in London with her friend Mitch (
Marcquelle Ward Marcquelle Jermaine Ward (born 8 November 1983 as Baby Caton) is a British actor, dancer and rapper. He's known for the role of "BB" on the musical TV drama series ''Britannia High'' and for playing Rum Tum Tugger in the 2015 West End reviva ...
). Mitch was a college friend of Amber who had been invited to a party along with Amber and Darryl in September 2009. Mitch met the couple in Victoria Street having booked a cab from ''StreetCars'' and excitedly told the pair that he could not wait to go to London as he would be able to purchase an
Oyster card The Oyster card is a payment method for public transport in London (and certain areas around it) in England, United Kingdom. A standard Oyster card is a blue credit-card-sized stored-value contactless smart card. It is promoted by Transport ...
and use the underground instead of shelling out for taxis. Annoyed at finding out that he would be attending the same university as Amber, Darryl demands an explanation from her after instructing Mitch to go and double-check the booking, but as Amber brushed the matter aside and accused him of over-reacting, the pair argued and Darryl jumped to the conclusion that she fancied Mitch and refused to attend the party. She returns nearly two years later to stay with Dev, much to his wife
Sunita Alahan Sunita Alahan (also Parekh) was a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Shobna Gulati. She made her first screen appearance on 23 March 2001 and remained in the show until 2006, when the character ...
's (
Shobna Gulati Shobna Gulati (born 7 August 1966)www.shobnagulati.co.uk
Shobna Gulati official website
is an English ...
) reluctance. She soon starts catching up with old acquaintances such as David and
Sean Tully Sean Tully is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Antony Cotton. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 13 July 2003. Following that appearance, the character returned full-ti ...
(
Antony Cotton Antony Cotton (born Antony Dunn; 5 August 1975) is an English actor, known for portraying the role of Sean Tully in ''Coronation Street'', as well as portraying Alexander Perry in the original '' Queer as Folk'' series. In 2007, Cotton hosted ...
) and helps
Sophie Webster Sophie Webster is a Character (arts), fictional character from the Television in the United Kingdom, British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. She was born on-screen during the episode broadcast on 4 November 1994. She was ...
(
Brooke Vincent Brooke Levi Vincent (born 4 June 1992) is an English actress, known for her portrayal of Sophie Webster in the ITV soap-opera ''Coronation Street'', which she played from 2004 to 2019. Early life Vincent was born in Audenshaw, Greater Manche ...
) get her job back at her father's shop. She also reveals to Sophie that she was kicked out of university and gives Sophie tips on how to get back on
Kevin Webster Kevin Webster is a Character (arts), fictional character from the Television in the United Kingdom, British ITV (TV network), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Portrayed by Michael Le Vell, the character first appeared on-screen during the ...
's (
Michael Le Vell Michael Robert Turner (born 15 December 1964), known professionally as Michael Le Vell, is an English actor. He is best known for his role as mechanic Kevin Webster in the long-running ITV (TV channel), ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', a ro ...
) good side. Amber then goes for a night out with
Tommy Duckworth Tommy Duckworth is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Darryl Edwards from 1992 to 1997, Joseph Aston in 2000 and Chris Fountain from 2011 to 2013. The character was born on screen during the ...
(
Chris Fountain Christopher Ryan "Chris" Fountain (born 3 September 1987) is an English actor and DJ. He is known for his roles as Damien Jones in Emmerdale, Justin Burton in ''Hollyoaks'' and as Tommy Duckworth in ''Coronation Street''. Early life Fount ...
) and arrives home early next morning. Sunita agrees not to tell Dev about her staying out all night, but Sunita does tell Dev, and Amber reveals she has been kicked out of university. Tommy and Amber go on a date, but Tommy tells her he has to leave as his friend
Tyrone Dobbs Tyrone Dobbs is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Portrayed by Alan Halsall, the character first appeared on screen during the episode airing on 30 November 1998 and is still a cast member over 20 year ...
(
Alan Halsall Alan David Halsall (born 11 August 1982) is an English actor, best known for portraying the role of Tyrone Dobbs in ''Coronation Street'', a role he has played since 1998. Early life Halsall was brought up in Walkden, Salford and attended Walk ...
) is in hospital but he goes on a date with Tina, Amber walks in on them on a date and is furious. In October 2011, Amber takes Sophie to a lesbian bar, where Amber gets a girl's phone number but tells Sophie she will not be calling back as she is not a lesbian. Then while Sophie's girlfriend,
Sian Powers Sian Powers is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', portrayed by Sacha Parkinson. Sian was introduced as a love interest for Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent). Sian joined the cast of ''Coronation Street'' al ...
(
Sacha Parkinson Sacha Louise Parkinson (born 11 March 1992) is an English actress, known for her role as Sian Powers on the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. Early life Sacha Louise Parkinson was born on 11 March 1992 in Salford, Greater Manchester, the ...
), is in France with her mother, Amber takes this as an opportunity to take Sophie out. She takes her to a bar where a boy chats up Sophie and as an act to "get the guy to leave her alone" Amber kisses Sophie and claims to be her girlfriend. Sophie, shocked asked Amber what she was playing at but was not too bothered as Amber had earlier spiked her drink. The next day Sophie calls in sick at Dev's corner shop feeling terrible after Amber spiking her drink and partly trying to avoid Amber. Sophie then consoles in Sunita of what to do and of guilt of developing feelings for Amber, Sophie then proposes to Sian and Sian accepts. Amber is over the moon when she receives a car from Dev for her 21st birthday. Dev wants to take Sunita out for a meal and asks Amber to babysit, but says that she is going to a party. Dev refuses to cancel, so Sunita reluctantly agrees for a meal. However, when they came back, they saw Amber having an argument with Tyrone, Fiz Stape (
Jennie McAlpine Jennie Elizabeth McAlpine (born 12 February 1984) is an English television actress, comedian and businesswoman. She is known for her role as Fiz Brown in the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street''. She also took part in the seventeenth series o ...
),
Chesney Brown Chesney Brown (also Battersby-Brown) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Sam Aston. He made his first on-screen appearance on 10 November 2003. The character is named after the singer, Ches ...
(
Sam Aston Samuel David Aston (born 7 June 1993) is an English actor, who has portrayed the role of Chesney Brown on the ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' since 2003. Career Aston made his television debut at the age of five, as an extra in ''Eddi ...
) because she was having a party in the house. Sunita shouts at Amber, who threatens to leave the next day. Dev tries to reason with Amber, who says that she won't go if Sunita apologises. However, Sunita refuses to and Amber goes back to pack her bags. Amber tells Dev that she is staying at a friend's house. Amber gets a job in London and Dev stays with her for a few months after Sunita's affair with
Karl Munro Karl Munro is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by John Michie. Michie's casting was announced in April 2011. He signed an initial one-year contract and began filming his scenes in May. Upon jo ...
(
John Michie John Michie (born 25 October 1956) is a Scottish television and film actor, known for his roles as DI Robbie Ross in the STV detective drama series '' Taggart'', as Karl Munro in ''Coronation Street'' from 2011–2013 and his role as CEO Guy ...
) is exposed. Amber is unable to attend Sunita's funeral as she is travelling with her boyfriend.


Casting

Nikki Patel was cast in the role. In May 2011 it was announced that Patel had returned to filming with the serial. Amber is a streetwise and sassy character who is not afraid to speak her mind. ITV Publicity goes on to confirm this by describing the character of Amber as: "She is an intelligent, friendly, outgoing chatterbox who loves sharing gossip with Norris Cole. She’s sassy and streetwise too." What's on TV magazine describe Amber as: "Open and honest and always speaks her mind - even if it's uncomfortable hearing! She loves to gossip and is able to indulge her passion with equally nosy shopkeeper Norris."


Development

Amber later began dating Darryl Morton, which is her first real relationship, although the pair faced many obstacles within their first few weeks of dating. Darryl later moved in with Amber and her father Dev, after becoming homeless when his father Jerry rented 6 Coronation Street out to the Windass family. Due to his pairing with Amber, his character was given a reprieve so they could carry their on-screen romance after originally being axed with the rest of the Morton family. The character of Amber became central to storylines during 2008 and Patel impressed bosses with her performance, and she was awarded with an onscreen relationship and friends; the first being Minnie Chandra who was portrayed by
Poppy Jhakra Poppy Jhakra (born 1984) is an English actress from West Yorkshire. She is best known for her roles in '' Waterloo Road'' and '' Coronation Street''. Jhakra has appeared in '' Holby City'', '' Waking the Dead'' and '' Doctors''. She graduated from ...
. A spokesperson from the soap opera said: We've been extremely pleased with Nikki Patel's performance as Amber, so we thought it was about time to explore her friends on the Street. Minnie will play a part in the development of Amber's relationship with Daryl Morton and Dev's relationship with Tara."


Departure

On 19 February 2012, Colin Daniels of
Digital Spy Digital Spy (DS) is a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at Hearst UK. Since its launch in 1999, Digital Spy has focused on entertainment news related to television programmes, ...
reported that Patel would be leaving the show. Daniels said the actress had already filmed her final scenes as Amber and she would make her last on-screen appearance the following month. Amber leaves Coronation Street following a series of rows with her stepmother,
Sunita Alahan Sunita Alahan (also Parekh) was a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'', played by Shobna Gulati. She made her first screen appearance on 23 March 2001 and remained in the show until 2006, when the character ...
(
Shobna Gulati Shobna Gulati (born 7 August 1966)www.shobnagulati.co.uk
Shobna Gulati official website
is an English ...
). A show spokesperson said "Nikki will be leaving us at the end of her contract, but viewers may see Amber again."


Reception

In 2006 actress Nikki Patel was nominated as Best Newcomer at the
National Television Awards The National Television Awards (often shortened to NTAs) is a British television awards ceremony, broadcast by the ITV network and initiated in 1995. The National Television Awards are the most prominent ceremony for which the results are voted ...
. Ian Wylie on Manchester Evening News stated that Nikki Patel has shone in the portrayal of the determined school girl Amber and also went on to say that he thought she should have won an NTA for her portrayal of the character. Kate White from ''Inside Soap'' ran a feature on what Christmas presents she would give to soap characters. White said she would buy Amber a "big spoon" so she could stir up trouble for her neighbours. As White thought Amber did a great job of making Sophie and Sian's "terribly twee romance much more exciting".


References


External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Kalirai, Amber Coronation Street characters Television characters introduced in 2005 Female characters in television Fictional bisexual females Fictional LGBT characters in television