Pubdate: Mon, 20 Dec 2004
Source: Evening Standard (London, UK)
Copyright: 2004 Associated Newspapers Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/914
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

'DRUG-TAKING' CORRIE STAR FACES AXE

Coronation Street star Jimmi Harkishin faces the sack today after 
photographs of him allegedly taking cocaine were published in a national 
newspaper.

The 45-year-old actor - who plays shopowner Dev Alahan in the ITV soap - 
was snapped allegedly snorting the class-A drug off the kitchen worktop at 
the home of ex-lover Miranda Lipsinksi.

Harkishin, who has a girlfriend of 14 years and two children, had 
previously denied having an affair with the 25-year-old, but yesterday 
Lipsinksi's kiss and tell story was published in the News of the World.

"What's annoying is that [Jimmi] presents himself as a normal family man. 
But he sneaks away from them for coke and sex sessions on the side," the 
blonde TV presenter told the paper.

Corrie bosses are said to be furious with the star and preparing to axe him 
from his 100,000UKP-a-year job, reports say.

When challenged about the drug-taking allegations, Harkishin said: 'I've no 
idea what you're talking about.'

Harkishin has already tested the patience of soap bosses after being caught 
shoplifting in Brent Cross shopping centre last month. He was given an 
official caution after he was found swapping price stickers on an expensive 
jumper.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D