ITV Soap Stars Threaten Mutiny Over Brutal 17% Pay Cuts
Stars of the beloved ITV soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale are reportedly threatening to mutiny after being faced with brutal pay cuts, in a saga insiders are describing as 'a total mess'. According to reports, a number of fan favourites have threatened to walk away from the shows because they are facing a pay reduction of 17%.
Contract Changes and Cast Discontent
Back in February, actors were informed of harsh changes to their contracts due to ITV drastically reducing the number of guaranteed episodes offered. An insider revealed: 'The way things are being handled by ITV bosses is appalling, and some big stars are talking about walking away altogether. They are completely fed up.'
Those who have been on the shows longer are protected by their contracts, but newer cast members are not. Another source added: 'Many feel ITV is bending the rules for some favoured stars, quietly assuring them they will be looked after, while others are being hung out to dry and are prepared to walk if necessary. It’s a total mess – a mixture of anger towards bosses and now jealousy and irritation among the castmates themselves because it’s such an uneven playing field.'
Affected Cast Members
The cast members from Coronation Street thought to be hit by the new cuts include:
- Tina O'Brien
- Lucy Fallon
- Dame Maureen Lipman
- Catherine Tyldesley
- Alison King
Meanwhile, Emmerdale legends Amy Walsh, Ryan Hawley, and Danny Miller are also believed to be facing the same reductions. The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for both soaps for comment.
Broader ITV Cuts and Changes
The soaps are not the only shows that have had cuts brought in this year. Back in May 2025, it was revealed that Lorraine and Loose Women were set to be axed for half the year, with Lorraine's runtime slashed by 30 minutes. ITV Daytime bosses announced huge cuts with job losses in excess of 220.
Host Lorraine Kelly has faced the brunt of the cuts, with Good Morning Britain now taking her 9am to 10am slot for 22 weeks of the year. For the remaining 30 weeks, Lorraine will present five days a week, meaning her Friday stand-in presenters Ranvir Singh and Christine Lampard are no longer needed.
ITV sources told MailOnline at the time that they have decided to cut resources on their daytime schedule so that the network can invest in more drama programmes. It was also announced that ITV Studios will no longer make Good Morning Britain but instead it will be produced by ITN, the organisation which makes ITV News.
Upcoming Soap Storylines
Meanwhile, back in soap land, a dramatic new storyline will see the legendary Roy's Rolls cafe burned down in an arson attack, with a much-loved Weatherfield resident left fighting for their life. Cafe owner Roy Cropper, played by David Neilson, will be rushed to the hospital after someone sets the eatery on fire.
A soap insider revealed: 'Roy's Rolls is targeted by a mystery firestarter who breaks in and douses the cafe with petrol whilst Roy sleeps upstairs in his flat. When residents spot smoke coming out of the windows, emergency services are called. As the fire rages and people realise Roy is trapped inside, the race is on to get him out alive. Will Roy be rescued in time, and what about his precious collection of railway memorabilia and memories of Hayley? Is this the end of Roy’s Rolls as we know it, and who wanted to burn down the iconic cafe?'
Coronation Street and Emmerdale air on ITV1 and are available to stream on ITVX.
