Coronation Street bosses facing revolt as stars complain they’re ‘worked like dogs’ and panic about being axed
CORONATION Street bosses are facing a stars’ revolt amid a storm of shock exits.
Insiders told The Sun Weatherfield is uneasy, with mid-ranking actors and younger stars fearing they face the chop in a bid to save costs.
A source said: “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.
“There is a feeling more people will be cut to save money and to keep the best paid stars like Bill Roache and Jack P Shepherd on board.”
William Roache, 92, has played Ken Barlow since 1960.
Jack, 36, joined in 2000 as David Platt.
Insiders also said some of the cast had moaned about the long hours, with some threatening to jump ship.
The source added: “Filming is tough.
“One person moaned they were ‘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 jewel in ITV’s crown.
“Now there’s a despondent feeling among actors.”
Charlotte Jordan, who played Rovers barmaid Daisy Midgeley, became the fifth star to leave Corrie in just weeks on Tuesday.
Colson Smith (Craig Tinker), Sue Cleaver (Eileen Grimshaw), Luca Toolan, (Mason Radcliffe) and Sue Devaney (Debbie Webster) have all left the show.
Corrie legend Helen Worth, 74, who played Gail Platt, also had her final scenes on Christmas Day after 50 years on the soap.
Insiders said rising costs and falling advertising revenue has piled on pressure.
Cobbles boss Kate Brooks warned last month she is set to axe characters including “some unexpected ones that will send shockwaves”.