ITV Coronation Street star Sonia Ibrahim has joined Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks as Kat and she’s hiding a big secret and being kept in a safe house by Rex Gallagher

Hollyoaks has welcomed a former Coronation Street favourite to the fold for an enthralling new plot.

Soap enthusiasts will recall actress Sonia Ibrahim’s memorable stint as Mel Maguire on the ITV soap from December 2016 to October 2017.

Mel was embroiled in Bethany Platt’s (played by Lucy Fallon) harrowing grooming storyline, aiding child predator Nathan Curtis (portrayed by Chris Harper). Her concluding scenes involved a dramatic attempt to abduct Bethany to prevent her from giving evidence against Nathan, only to release her eventually.

Sonia has previously expressed her pride in being part of the Corrie cast, exclaiming: “I was literally over the moon and I cried my eyes out when my agent told me [I was joining]! “.

“It’s such an amazing place to work and it’s been an honour to be here. I was really excited to meet everybody, because I’m a fan of Coronation Street and I watch the show anyway.”, reports Lancs Live.

More recently seen on BBC’s Waterloo Road as Jamilah Omar, she is now set to intrigue Hollyoaks viewers as the enigmatic Kat, who shares a mysterious connection with established character Rex Gallagher (Jonny Labey).

Sonia is playing Kat in the Channel 4 soap(Image: Lime Pictures)

Sonia made her first appearance in the Channel 4 drama during Wednesday’s (November 20) episode, alongside fellow newcomer Ethaniel Davy, who plays Jacob.

The exact nature of the relationship between Rex, Jacob, and Kat remains under wraps, but it’s evident that Rex is going to great lengths to shield them from harm, sequestering them in a safe house.

Rex’s frustration was palpable when he confronted Jacob after arriving at a house, saying, “What have I told you about this, Jacob? You slipping little notes into my bag has caused me a lot of trouble.”

Jacob’s response highlighted his isolation: “I miss my friends Rex. I’m lonely here. I haven’t stepped foot out of this place since I got here.”

Soap enthusiasts will recall actress Sonia’s memorable stint as Mel Maguire in Corrie(Image: ITV)

The tension in the room escalated when Kat walked in, exasperatedly remarking, “Not again Jacob.”

In an attempt to reassure Jacob, Rex approached the front door, indicating that the boy wasn’t a prisoner: “You can leave, feel free. I’m not going to stop you but you know how much danger you are in outside these walls don’t you.”

Kat chimed in, affirming the danger and expressing gratitude towards Rex: “Course he does. Don’t you Jacob” and “Look, I’m so grateful Rex for keeping us safe. We both are. Aren’t we? ” With Jacob nodding in agreement, Rex tried to offer some comfort: “Well I know you don’t like it here mate, but you ain’t got to worry. You ain’t going to be here for much longer.”

Viewers are left on tenterhooks, eager to discover the mysterious threat that Rex is shielding Kat and Jacob from and why he is so determined to ensure their safety.

Hollyoaks airs Monday to Wednesday on E4 at 7pm and first look episodes can be streamed Channel 4 from 7am