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Coronation Street cast ‘left furious over budget cuts as they suffer another blow’ after stars axed and episodes slashed

BBG News

On Thursday, it was reported that the cast of Coronation Street is said to be angry due to recent budget reductions, adding to their ongoing struggles.

The number of episodes for the ITV soap opera will be significantly reduced, as announced by management, following a series of cast members being let go from the show.

It seems that this year, the cancellations have added another layer of disappointment for me, as our beloved annual summer gathering among the cast appears to be called off.

According to a source, the celebrities have planned and will be funding their own gathering this year, rather than relying on an external arrangement.

They mentioned that the past few months have been challenging, and everyone was eagerly anticipating the party. However, the fact that they need to pay for it seems to take away some of the excitement.

As a dedicated follower, I understand that for some well-established celebrities, small perks like complimentary drinks might seem insignificant. However, for us lesser-known individuals in the team, it’s quite a significant aspect that we can’t help but feel let down when such amenities aren’t provided.

The source stated: ‘Still, it’s not particularly shocking given the ongoing reductions in funding.’

TopMob has contacted ITV for comment. 

Rob Mallard, a prominent actor on Coronation Street, has shared insights about the reactions of the cast following the show’s recent reductions.

High production expenses and a decrease in ad income are reportedly threatening the continuation of this long-running soap opera, leading to several cost-cutting measures.

At the Soap Awards red carpet, TopMob chatted with actor Rob (portraying Daniel Osbourne) about the cast’s response to recent alterations they’ve experienced.

As a seasoned lifestyle enthusiast, I’ve observed that those who have been part of this show for an extended period often express their belief that it could be even more exceptional. This sentiment stems from memories of it being particularly engaging at certain points in its past history. In terms of our current episode structure, I share the same viewpoint.

As an ardent admirer, let me express my excitement: We won’t need those pesky, contrived cliffhangers since there won’t be a part two. Instead, everything is packed into one thrilling tale! This means the narrative flow will be smoother and easier to follow.

Following Lucy Fallon’s departure from the soap earlier this year for the arrival of her second child, Rob provided a timeline for when viewers might catch sight of Bethany Platt again on screen.

As a devoted follower, I share this news: She is returning; she’s taken a brief leave to welcome a new addition to her family via childbirth. It seems she plans to return as soon as her health permits.

Starting from January 2026, Corrie will decrease its weekly episodes from six to five. These episodes will be shown simultaneously with Emmerdale, forming a ‘power hour’ of popular daytime soap operas.

Reports indicate that the ITV soap opera is facing difficulties, including claims of financial troubles, and discontent among the cast due to subpar work conditions and low wages.

It was reported in January that some popular actors on the show might have their scenes at The Rovers Return pub reduced to help with budget constraints.

With bigger stars earning higher per-episode salaries, it’s becoming evident that the show is leaning more heavily on its emerging characters, given their lower pay rates compared to their more experienced counterparts.

As a devoted admirer and observer, I’ve noticed that the earnings at the cobblestones’ set can show quite a wide range. Established figures like Bill Roache are reported to receive a hefty sum of around £2,000 for each episode, while fresh faces typically start with approximately £400 per appearance.

In her last year on the soap, actress Helen Worth, who portrayed Gail Platt, was present in merely 26 out of a total 304 episodes, whereas actor Bill played Ken for 48 episodes during the same period.

Some of the middle-tier and newer actors on the show are rumored to be concerned that their characters might be eliminated to make room for the more senior performers.

In the previous year, the new head of the show announced that various characters might be leaving due to some unforeseen departures, scheduled for 2025.

Other actors have reportedly vented their fury on a WhatsApp group over fears they could be next.

According to the source, there’s an active WhatsApp chat filled with discussions about the uncertain location of future cuts.

The situation at the soap opera is challenging, and these difficulties seem to be trickling down. There’s an atmosphere suggesting that cost-cutting measures might be implemented, primarily to retain top earners such as Bill Roache and Jack P. Shepherd within the cast.

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2025-06-20 00:36

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