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.
Cash strapped Coronation Street is launching a brand new venture to rake in money and This Morning star signs up to join them[/caption]
An Audience with Coronation Street promises behind the scenes secrets and a chance to get up and personal with five Corrie stars[/caption]
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.
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.
Corrie cash crisis: shock exits for 2025
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.
Colson Smith – Craig Tinker
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. Craig’s on-screen mum, Beth Tinker, also left the show in the summer when actress Lisa George was written out from the role.
Sue Cleaver – Eileen Grimshaw
After 25 years playing Eileen Grimshaw, former I’m A Celebrity campmate Sue Cleaver will quit the show. The Sun on Sunday reported in January that she’s already begun to film her exit scenes. However the character will not be killed off in case Sue opts to make a return in the future.
Luca Toolan – Mason Radcliffe
Bosses decided to axe the teenage character after just 16 months after he first joined the show. Recent scenes saw Mason stabbed by his criminal brothers after his pal Dylan brought a knife in an attempt to defend him.
Sue Devaney – Debbie Webster
In November 2024, we revealed that Debbie Webster is set to be killed off after 40 years on the cobbles. The character will die as part of a heartbreaking long-running dementia storyline.
Charlotte Jordan – Daisy Midgeley
The actress became the fifth star to leave Coronation Street in just one month. We revealed that she will bow out of the ITV soap later this year after four years on-screen. Charlotte told sources that she’s hungry to see what other opportunities await.
Shelley King – Yasmeen Metcalfe
The actress has played Yasmeen Metcalfe on the cobbles for the past 11 years and we revealed in January that she finished filming her final scenes. This follows the departure of her on-screen partner Stu Carpenter.
Coronation Street on tour.
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.
Jimmi Harkishin who plays businessman Dev Alahan is participating in the tour[/caption]
Jack P Shepherd who plays David Platt is also set to appear on stage[/caption]
Jodie Prenger who plays Glenda, the sister of Corrie undertaker George Shuttleworth has been confirmed for the tour[/caption]
Tickets go on sale Friday 14th March and are priced from £29.50 – for more information and to register for the presale click here.
