Coronation Street’s biggest stars ‘face taking a pay cut or getting axed’

Coronation Street’s biggest names reportedly risk the axe unless they take a pay cut.

Some of Corrie’s most famous stars could be set to leave the show as contracts come up for renewal.

They’re said to include Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald), Helen Worth (Gail Platt), Sue Nicholls (Audrey Roberts), Sally Dynevor (Sally Webster) and even both Bill Roache (Ken Barlow) and Barbara Knox (Rita Tanner).

Their current fees are claimed to be around £200,000 a year but cuts apparently await.

According to The Sun newspaper, show bosses want to “even things out” between the older and younger cast, who are getting around £100,000.

“Bosses have made it clear that the older deals are no longer in line with some of the younger stars. In some cases, less-paid actors are on screen a lot more than the others,” a source told the tabloid this week. “Some of the old guard get massive pay irrespective of how much they actually work.”

The renegotiations will also see ‘guaranteed yearly wage hikes’ written out of contracts, the source claimed.

The insider added: “Obviously this hasn’t gone down particularly well with those hit. But rocking the boat comes with the fear of falling out of favour — and being written out.”

A spokesperson for Coronation Street said of the rumours: “We do not comment on staff contracts.”

Coronation Street currently airs six episodes a week on ITV and has been on UK telly since 1960.

Last year saw a big behind the scenes change when then Emmerdale boss Iain MacLeod was appointed as the new Producer of Coronation Street.

Iain said at the time: “Working on Emmerdale at a time when it’s enjoyed such success has been a total joy and I will miss the people and the place immensely – it’s a special show full of huge talent.

“Only Corrie could have tempted me away. It gave me my first job in TV as an assistant researcher many years ago and to be returning as producer is the fulfilment of a longstanding dream. It’ll be like a reunion with an old friend and I look forward to continuing the amazing work already being done by everyone connected with the show.”