Furious Samia Longchambon hits back at rival who calls for her to be AXED from Coronation Street

CORONATION Street actress Samia Longchambon has hit out at her ‘rival’ who suggested her character could be next on the chopping block amid the ongoing Corrie cash crisis.

The ITV soap is going through its toughest period in its entire 65-year history with funds at an all-time low, cast members leaving in huge numbers and general unrest backstage at the soap.

Just this week, four stars were revealed to have been shown the door as part of a major cost-saving process.

Both Charlotte Jordan and Sue Cleaver opted to quit the embattled soap whilst Luca Toolan and Colson Smith were axed by bosses – shortly after it was confirmed that Sue Devaney had suffered the same fate.

Now, celebrity agent and author Melanie Blake has had her say on which character she things bosses should be next to get rid of.

Melanie, who is the agent for some of Corrie’s top talent, suggested that Samia’s character, Maria Connor, had outstayed her welcome.

As Melanie reflected on the current cast exodus, she called to hear her followers opinions before she suggested she would have Maria booted if she could.

She said: “Maria out for me 1st plz [taxi emoji].”

Seemingly unhappy with the comment, Samia responded in which she simply asked Melanie: “What have I done to upset you?”

Melanie, who is the author of the bestselling book Ruthless Women, went on to insist that Samia had never “upset” her but felt as though the character had run its course.

In a lengthy response to the actress, she said: “You haven’t upset me darling, I’ve met you and your lovely l just think ‘Maria’ has had a really good on screen run but doesn’t get the stories she needs for me to stay invested in on what is clearly going to be a tightening up on numbers.”

Melanie went on to say that she wouldn’t miss Maria in the soap’s current state due to her current lack of on-screen storylines.

The celebrity agent continued: “I would equally like to see you either stay and get more ‘Maria driven’ stories which I’m sure [I] would change my mind.

“Your talent has never been in question – just the characters relevance in its current climate.

“She’s in the danger zone unless you have great stuff coming up we haven’t see yet!”

However, Samia did not back down as she responded back to Melanie’s points and address if she should be fired.

The star, who has played Maria since 2000, said back: “So, basically, ‘nothing personal but you think I should be fired’.

“Thanks [crying laughing emoji]. Wishing you all the best Melanie..”

Not backing down, Melanie went on to reply: “Actually it’s sounding quite personal now as you are totally ignoring my very polite responses explaining my comment.

“Apologies if I touched an unintentional nerve.

“We are allowed our opinions and on which characters we like over others & that was it. All best too, and good-luck!”

The Sun revealed earlier today how the current cast are currently panicked over which stars will be next to be given the boot in order to save money.

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.”

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.”