It seems even the A-List aren’t immune to austerity, as some of Coronation Street’s longest running stars are facing pay cuts
It has been reported by The Sun that revered Corrie veterans including Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald), Sue Nicholls (Audrey Roberts) and Helen Worth (Gail Platt) will be forced to choose between taking a cut or having their contracts terminated.
Even Bill Roache and Barbara Knox, who have played Ken Barlow and Rita Sullivan (formerly Tanner) since the soap began in the sixties are thought to be taking a cut.
The move by ITV bosses comes as the current contractual system dictates that younger stars who have more storylines are getting paid substantially less than their older colleagues.
CHECK OUT next week's Coronation Street spoilers
Corrie spoilers: week 5
Corrie spoilers
Despite his initial reservations, Steve tells Amy that if she does decide to cancel her termination, he'll support her no matter what.
Corrie spoilers
After discussing their options as a couple, Steve and Tracy have a major proposition for Amy.
Corrie spoilers
They offer to raise the baby as their own. Liz warns Steve and Tracy that taking on another child will be a huge commitment. Are they ready?
Corrie spoilers
As Evelyn prepares for her holiday with James, she noticed that Tyrone is being 'off' with her. Eventually, he tells her that James revealed it was Evelyn who abandoned him as a child, and not his mum.
Corrie spoilers
A heartbroken Evelyn explains that his mother, Cassie, was a drug addict, and she'd believed leaving him on the steps of the police station was the best option.
Corrie spoilers
Despite how sorry she is, Tyrone is hurt and angrily tells her to enjoy her holiday before storming out. Evelyn appeals to Roy to speak to Tyrone.
Corrie spoilers
Finding him at the garage, Roy tells Tyrone not to turn his back on his grandmother, and speaks about his regret at leaving things how they were with Sylvia.
Corrie spoilers
Still sporting the black eye given to him by Adam, Seb explains the twins adoption hearing is tomorrow, and that without a full time job he has no chance of winning custody.
Corrie spoilers
Sarah suggests that, by way of apology, Adam could represent him in court for free.
Corrie spoilers
Audrey is shocked and slightly offended when Nick and David refuse her expertise in setting up their new barber shop.
Corrie spoilers
As they discuss their plans at The Rovers, Sarah offers Gary's services in fitting the shop.
Corrie spoilers
Meanwhile, Abi and Eileen call at the yard to try and talk Seb out of his plans to adopt. Seb is furious, and an argument escalates.
Corrie spoilers
Things get so heated that they don't notice Gary turn up with a client, who decides to take his business elsewhere when he stumbles upon the row.
Corrie spoilers
Gary fires Seb on the spot. Desperate, Seb has an ultimatum for Sarah.
Corrie spoilers
In court, Seb lies and tells the judges he's in full time employment and can take care of the twins himself.
Corrie spoilers
But Abi knows it's not a good idea. Even though it breaks her heart, Abi tells the judges that Seb is lying, and it would better for the twins to remain with their foster parents.
Corrie spoilers
Seb feels betrayed by everyone. After Gary left him high and dry without a job, he vows to hurt him back.
Corrie spoilers
Seb tells Gary that Sarah spent the evening with Adam, and they kissed. How will they react?
Corrie spoilers
On Peter's request, Abi agrees to take a look at the boats engine and manages to fix it.
Corrie spoilers
But after the hearing, Peter can see how upset Abi is, and brings her back to the boat to comfort her – where he offers her a full time job on the boat.
Corrie spoilers
The pair of them discuss their colourful pasts and, bonding over their time in prison, they share a kiss.
Corrie spoilers
Michelle is shocked to see Carla rudely snap at a client and tells her she is overworking herself.
Corrie spoilers
Annoyed, Carla heads to boat house to seek comfort from Peter, but arriving at the docks sees that a light on the boat is already on.
Corrie spoilers
Noticing Carla head into the factory, Peter tells Abi that it's too cold to sleep on the boat, and follows Carla inside.
Corrie spoilers
As they reminisce about their relationship, Peter goes in for a kiss. Will Carla kiss him back?
Corrie spoilers
Elsewhere, Paul offers to help Billy sort out the donations for the church bring and buy sale.
Corrie spoilers
Billy takes Paul for a drink to thank him for his help. When Billy gets a message that Summer has lost her iPad Gemma immediately and publicly accuses Paul of stealing it.
Corrie spoilers
Despite being jealous of their blossoming relationship, Gemma . confides in Chesney and Emma that Paul took the rap for some things she has done in her past and has never let her forget it.
“Bosses have made it clear that the older deals are no longer in line with some of the younger stars. In some cases, less-paid actors are on screen a lot more than the others,” said an ITV source.
READ MORE soap news
Coronation Street: Rana Habeeb to be KILLED OFF in heartbreaking storyline
Michelle Keegan tells pals she dreads going through another separation
Roxanne Pallet 'DUMPED by fiancé' who stood by her amid CBB punch-gate
WATCH Emmerdale's Emma Atkins on whether Joe Tate will return
“Some of the old guard get a massive pay irrespective of how much they actually work. Some even had deals which guarantee wage hikes every year – but these are also going now.”
Far from being a dig at the older stars, Corrie bosses are reportedly overhauling their contracts to make things fairer for all their cast members – but naturally some stars aren’t taking the news well.
“Obviously this hasn’t gone down particularly well with those hit. But rocking the boat comes with the fear of falling out of favour – and being written out.”
And that ‘massive pay’ can reach up to £250k per annum, with the younger stars taking home approximately £100k.
A spokesperson for the soap said, “We do not comment on staff contracts."