Coronation Street bosses have assured the soap’s big name stars they are all safe from the axe – as a “thank you” for their professionalism during the pandemic.
Execs have decided none of the show’s favourites will be bulleted in a bid to give them job security in uncertain times and secure the backbone of the show.
They have ring-fenced a number of “untouchable” deemed essential to Corrie’s future.
Some have already been awarded lucrative new contracts. Others will be in the forthcoming months.
The job security pledge will be welcomed by many of the soap’s biggest stars after Covid-19 plunged the entertainment business into crisis.
(Image: ITV)
Many actors have had to switch to other jobs as stage and TV work dried up.
But Corrie execs have decided there will be no high profile characters leaving Weatherfield.
Among those who have already signed new deals or are set to put pen to paper soon are stars like Samia Longchambon, 39, who plays Maria Connor, Daniel Brocklebank, 41, (Billy Mayhew), Michael Le Vell, 56, (Kevin Webster), Melanie Hill, 59, (Cathy Matthews), Simon Gregson, 46, (Steve McDonald), Sally Dyvenor, 58, (Sally Webster) and Sue Cleaver, 57, (Eileen Grimshaw).
(Image: ITV)
Contracts are also in the pipeline for a host more show favourites.
An ITV source said: “The actors have had a tough time over the last year and a bit what with the show going into lockdown, Covid outbreaks on set, reduced episode numbers and social distancing on the show.
“So it’s great news that so many of the big name cast want to stay.
“On top of that no-one will be getting the chop just to create a ratings boost.
“The bosses wanted to create a mood where the cast feels secure in such turbulent times.”
(Image: ITV)
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Actor Daniel recently told how the job security his role on the show had given him had allowed him to “put down some roots”.
“I’m so incredibly happy there that I skip into work,” he said.
“Well, not literally skip – that would look weird. But I love it.
“For the first 20-odd years of my career I was travelling a lot and always away on jobs.
“Being at Corrie means I’ve been able to put down some roots.
“I’ve been on telly since I was 14 but this is the first time I’ve been able to wake up in my own bed, shower in my own bathroom and get my pants out of a drawer rather than an overnight bag.”
ITV does not discuss artists’ contracts.
Coronation Street continues Friday on ITV at 7.30pm
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
