CASH strapped Coronation Street is launching a brand new venture to rake in money and This Morning star signs up to join them.
A perfect storm of soaring telly production costs and a fall in advertising has put the future of the UK’s beloved soap at risk.
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Cash-strapped soap.
A show source said: “TV production costs have soared by more than 50 per cent, while the advertising market funding them has all-but collapsed.
“The cast are not happy but ITV have no choice but to slash costs.”
Sally Ann Matthews, who made her cobbles debut as Jenny Bradley in 1986, recently went public on social media to call out the fact that she is barely being used on the show.
She told fans on an Instagram live broadcast how she was looking for other work in the hopes someone would employ her – a dig at Corrie bosses.
“You’re not going to be seeing Jenny for quite a long while,” she said. “So that’s that.”
Sally only appeared in 36 episodes last year and other actors have suffered the same fate.
In fact, The Sun revealed that actress Helen Worth appeared in just 26 – of 304 – episodes in her final, 50th year on the cobbles, leaving on Christmas Day with a quiet whimper.
Kevin Webster (Mike Le Vell) was only given 46 episodes while Ken Barlow (Bill Roache) appeared in just 48.
Audrey Roberts (Sue NIcholls) had just 29 outings and Fiz Dobbs (Jennie McAlpine) was on screen for only 34 episodes.
Meanwhile Rita Tanner, played by Barbara Knox, 91, has only been seen in FIFTEEN episodes last year despite being a main character since 1972.
Coronation Street’s Jack P Shepherd reveals soap bosses ‘lied’ about iconic storyline admitting ‘we didn’t have the time or the money’
One source said: “It sounds ridiculous but some people, household names, watched for years by millions, are worrying about how they will pay their mortgages.
“Soaps used to be steady employment for actors but now there’s no guarantee of even being able to pay your bills.”
The actors are increasingly taking other work – some on social media and on paid appearances.
And now for the first time ever, ITV have announced that the legendary stars are stepping off the famous cobbles and onto the stage for a UK tour.
ITV bosses are locked in a battle to save the cash-strapped soap.
This means that a number of stars have either been axed from or have abandoned the long-running serial drama.
The character of Craig Tinker has been axed by bosses after 14 years. After he was told of the news in Autumn 2024, Colson Smith confirmed that would be written out of the show with scenes to air later this year.
An Audience with Coronation Street will visit London, Sheffield, Salford and Glasgow.
And viewers will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with their favourite Corrie stars.
The stars will be spilling behind-the-scenes secrets, sharing stories, and reliving heart-warming moments from the iconic ITV show.
Hosted by This Morning’s resident soap expert Sharon Marshall, the show promises to be packed with laughter, nostalgia, and more than a few jaw-dropping surprises!
Each event will feature five Coronation Street stars live on stage—including a surprise Corrie legend!
Who will be appearing?
The line-up will vary from show to show, with different fan-favourite cast members appearing at each of the venues.
Some of the stars taking part in the tour include Andrew Whyment (Kirk Sutherland), Jack P Shepherd (David Platt), Jimmi Harkishin (Dev Alahan), and Jodie Prenger (Glenda Shuttleworth).
Also taking part are Patti Clare (Mary Taylor), Rob Mallard (Daniel Osbourne), Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor), and Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald)—with more names to be announced soon.
In the first half, fans will enjoy an intimate and lively chat with the cast as they share backstage gossip, on-set moments, and personal stories about life in Weatherfield.
The publicity material states: “Ever wondered what really goes on between takes? Or which co-stars are best mates off-screen? This is your chance to find out!”
Surprise Corrie Legend.
ITV have also revealed that a very special Coronation Street legend will take to the stage!
But who will it be? They are keeping that a secret—for now!
Explaining that every show will feature a different surprise guest, making each night a one-of-a-kind experience for Corrie fans.
An Audience with Coronation Street promises an evening of laughter, nostalgia, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
