'Coronation Street' bosses have reportedly given stars lucrative new contracts to keep them in the ITV soap.
Simon Gregson
Fan favourites on the programme have been assured that the will be given job security amid the coronavirus pandemic and executives plan to thank stars for their hard work in keeping the show on air over the past year.
According to the Daily Star newspaper, Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor), Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) and Sally Dynevor (Sally Metcalfe) are among the stars to have signed or been offered new deals.
Daniel Brocklebank (Billy Mayhew), Michael Le Vell (Kevin Webster), Melanie Hill (Cathy Matthews) and Sue Cleaver (Eileen Grimshaw) are also set to remain in Weatherfield.
An ITV source told the publication: "The actors have had a tough time over the last year and a bit what with the show going into lockdown, Covid outbreaks on set, reduced episode numbers and social distancing on the show.
"So it’s great news that so many of the big name cast want to stay.
"On top of that no-one will be getting the chop just to create a ratings boost.
"The bosses wanted to create a mood where the cast feels secure in such turbulent times.''
Brocklebank recently revealed that the job security he has on 'Corrie' had enabled him to "put down some roots".
He said: "I’m so incredibly happy there that I skip into work.
"Well, not literally skip - that would look weird. But I love it.
"For the first 20-odd years of my career I was travelling a lot and always away on jobs.
"Being at Corrie means I've been able to put down some roots."
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