Chris Fountain

Chris Fountain

'Coronation Street' bosses are reportedly concerned several stars could quit following Chris Fountain's axing.

Producers are said to be facing a backlash after a number of 'Corrie' cast members were angry at the way Chris - who played hunky mechanic Tommy Duckworth - was dismissed after it emerged he had been rapping about raping women and violence under the moniker of masked MC The Phantom.

A highly-placed source told the Daily Star newspaper: "There is a lot of unrest in the camp. Many feel that Chris paid the price for the allegations against others and if the circumstances had been different he would have been let off with a stern warning.

"Chris was really well liked around the set and the cast and crew were all devastated when he was given the bullet."

'Corrie' bosses are said to be particularly worried after huge stars Michelle Keegan - who plays beautiful barmaid Tina McIntyre - and Michelle Collins (Stella Price) recently announced they are quitting the soap.

The source added: "With the two Michelles leaving soon it is prompting quite a few others to start thinking their future lies elsewhere.

"They're thinking why should they pledge their loyalty to a show that treats its stars as badly as Chris has been treated?"

Chris made a public apology after it was revealed he was behind The Phantom, and insisted his alter-ego's lyrics did not reflect his own views.