Coronation Streets bosses facing cast revolt after long hours and 'fear of axe'

Coronation Streetis currently grappling with internal strife and a series of sudden departures, sparking concerns of a cast revolt fuelled by long hours and fears of being axed. As ITV tightens its budget, both mid-ranking and younger stars at Weatherfield feel increasingly uneasy, with rumours circulating about who will be cut next to maintain financial stability on the set.

Insiders have also revealed the existence of a WhatsApp group among cast members. "There’s a WhatsApp group which has been pinging with messages about concerns of where the axe will fall next. It’s a tough time on the soap and it’s filtering down," the source explained to The Sun.

ITV is also facing pressure to retain top-paid actors like Bill Roache, who has portrayed Ken Barlow since 1960, and Jack P Shepherd, known for his role as David Platt since 2000.

The situation on set has reportedly deteriorated, with filming conditions being described as tough and some actors feeling they're "worked like dogs."

"With the grip on the purse being tightened by ITV, it’s not fun. The days of bumper pay are gone. Coronation Street used to be the jewel in ITV’s crown. Now there’s a despondent feeling among actors," the source added.

The recent exits of five beloved actors, including Charlotte Jordan, who played barmaid Daisy Midgeley, and Corrie legend Helen Worth, known for her role as Gail Platt for 50 years, signify the changing dynamics on the set. Helen appeared in just 26 of 304 episodes in her final, 50th year on the cobbles, leaving on Christmas Day.

Kate Brooks, the soap boss, hinted at future changes that could surprise many, stating last month that there are plans to axe characters, including "some unexpected ones that will send shockwaves".

The financial strain is evident as ITV deals with soaring production costs and declining advertising revenue, pushing the network to make difficult decisions. A show source lamented: "Charlotte quitting is just the tip of the iceberg. Corrie is on its knees financially and bosses are being forced to make hard decisions."

These economic challenges have also led to strategic changes at the Rovers Return. Historically, being a part of the pub scenes was a lucrative position for the actors, as they would get paid per episode regardless of their level of involvement.

However, the source revealed that these opportunities are dwindling: "The bar staff obviously had to be in all Rovers scenes, so it was a great earner for them. But those days are now long gone—it’s just too expensive."

The operational shifts have not gone unnoticed by the cast, with Sally Ann Matthews, who plays landlady Jenny Connor, expressing her frustrations publicly. She revealed on Instagram live that she's been forced to seek work elsewhere due to reduced appearances on the show: "You’re not going to be seeing Jenny for quite a long while, so that’s that."