Coronation Street bosses have sparked fury among the cast by slashing the number of established characters filming inside the iconic Rovers Return pub in a bid to save money. The decision, part of wider cost-cutting measures, has left actors unhappy as they previously received per-episode fees even for non-speaking background roles in the pub.
An insider told The Sun: 'Corrie is on its knees financially and bosses are being forced to make hard decisions.' The source added that 'the cast are not happy but ITV have no choice but to slash costs' due to soaring production costs and a collapsed advertising market.
The soap, which celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, has seen a wave of departures including Helen Worth (Gail Platt), Colson Smith (Craig Tinker), Charlotte Jordan (Daisy Midgeley), and Sue Cleaver (Eileen Grimshaw). The exodus has raised concerns about the future of Britain's longest-running soap.
However, there is some good news for fans as Julie Carp, played by Katy Cavanagh, returns to Weatherfield after a decade. Julie will surprise her half-sister Eileen Grimshaw on February 21, coinciding with Sue Cleaver's departure. Cavanagh said: 'It is exciting to dust off Julie’s quirky wardrobe again and an absolute joy to step back on to the cobbles.'
