CORONATION Street actress Samia Longchambon has hit out at her ‘rival’ who suggested her character could be next on the chopping block amid the ongoing Corrie cash crisis.
The ITV soap is going through its toughest period in its entire 65-year history with funds at an all-time low, cast members leaving in huge numbers and general unrest backstage at the soap.
Just this week, four stars were revealed to have been shown the door as part of a major cost-saving process.
Both Charlotte Jordan and Sue Cleaver opted to quit the embattled soap whilst Luca Toolan and Colson Smith were axed by bosses – shortly after it was confirmed that Sue Devaney had suffered the same fate.
Now, celebrity agent and author Melanie Blake has had her say on which character she things bosses should be next to get rid of.
Melanie, who is the agent for some of Corrie’s top talent, suggested that Samia’s character, Maria Connor, had outstayed her welcome.
As Melanie reflected on the current cast exodus, she called to hear her followers opinions before she suggested she would have Maria booted if she could.
She said: “Maria out for me 1st plz [taxi emoji].”
Seemingly unhappy with the comment, Samia responded in which she simply asked Melanie: “What have I done to upset you?”
Melanie, who is the author of the bestselling book Ruthless Women, went on to insist that Samia had never “upset” her but felt as though the character had run its course.
In a lengthy response to the actress, she said: “You haven’t upset me darling, I’ve met you and your lovely l just think ‘Maria’ has had a really good on screen run but doesn’t get the stories she needs for me to stay invested in on what is clearly going to be a tightening up on numbers.”
Melanie went on to say that she wouldn’t miss Maria in the soap’s current state due to her current lack of on-screen storylines.
The celebrity agent continued: “I would equally like to see you either stay and get more ‘Maria driven’ stories which I’m sure [I] would change my mind.
“Your talent has never been in question – just the characters relevance in its current climate.
“She’s in the danger zone unless you have great stuff coming up we haven’t see yet!”
However, Samia did not back down as she responded back to Melanie’s points and address if she should be fired.
The star, who has played Maria since 2000, said back: “So, basically, ‘nothing personal but you think I should be fired’.
“Thanks [crying laughing emoji]. Wishing you all the best Melanie..”
Not backing down, Melanie went on to reply: “Actually it’s sounding quite personal now as you are totally ignoring my very polite responses explaining my comment.
“Apologies if I touched an unintentional nerve.
“We are allowed our opinions and on which characters we like over others & that was it. All best too, and good-luck!”
The Sun revealed earlier today how the current cast are currently panicked over which stars will be next to be given the boot in order to save money.
A source said: “There’s a WhatsApp group which has been pinging with messages about concerns of where the axe will fall next.
“It’s a tough time on the soap and it’s filtering down.
“There is a feeling more people will be cut to save money and to keep the best paid stars like Bill Roache and Jack P Shepherd on board.”
Insiders also said some of the cast had moaned about the long hours, with some threatening to jump ship.
The source added: “Filming is tough.
“One person moaned they were ‘worked like dogs’.
“With the grip on the purse being tightened by ITV, it’s not fun.
“The days of bumper pay are gone.”
PALS have paid tribute to a former British soldier killed fighting in Ukraine.
Jake Waddington, 34, was hit by a grenade dropped from a Russian drone on Monday.
The former Royal Anglian soldier – who reportedly spoke Russian, Ukrainian and Pashtu – joined Ukraine’s International Legion in 2023.
A second soldier was critically injured in the attack in Zaporizhia province.
Jake’s friend and former comrade Rob Clark wrote on Facebook: “You were one of the best of us.”
He added: “Those who know Jake will remember his particularly peculiar yet infectious sense of humour, how disarming he was, how he saw the good in everyone, his deep love of animals; and his sense of profound decency, honour, and fairness.”
Jake’s career in the Army was cut short after he suffered an epileptic seizure.
Clark added: “The irony is Jake’s medical conditions precluded much of his service in the Army, which is what helped him volunteer to fight in Ukraine.
“He had only just extended for a further 6 months late last year.”
Clark wrote: “I have many, many fond memories of our times together, and I’m so proud of you mate. I sometimes used to think he was not made for this world, but the truth is, this world was not made for Jake.
“My thoughts are with his sister, mother, uncle and all his brothers back in Ukraine continuing to fight on.”
RTE Fair City viewers have all been left saying the same thing after James made a crafty move on Tyler.
On tonight’s episode, James tried to provoke a reaction from Tyler by bringing up his contempt for Maxine, but Tyler didn’t rise to the bait.
Fidelma was frustrated when Dean continued to drop hints about Tyler but remained unforthcoming.
Later, Fidelma urged James to gain Tyler’s trust but reminded him to be careful.
Desperate to get paid, James felt under pressure to provide results.
And RTE viewers were quick to react to James new undercover role as they took to Twitter.
Paul joked: “Fella thinks he’s James Bond.”
Ciara said: “Does James seriously thinks this is a good way of making money?”
Adam added: “Have you ever heard such rubbish in all your life?”
While Sinead pointed out: “Tyler will be on you lads, he’s always one step ahead.”
Elsewhere on the episode, James made inroads with Tyler when he shared some of his own failures.
He then overheard Dean and Tyler having a heated interaction regarding Damien’s burial attempt.
A nosey James was intrigued by Tyler’s defensiveness when he mentioned the Dean run-in and was determined to find out more.
At the shop, James managed to bluff a confession out of Dean about burying Tyler alive.
Meanwhile, Orla was shocked to discover that Kira had not been paying herself a wage for the charity auctions.
Kira and Orla fretted that Emma would discover that they had helped themselves to her donations.
Later, Orla was left impressed when Kira’s first auction piece sold well online.
Orla then convinced Kira that she was within her rights to take a cut of the online sale.
Egged on by Orla, Kira got carried away claiming charity expenses.
Separately, Kira was touched when Alex showed his wholehearted support for the auction.
Later on, Melanie was left suspicious when she saw Orla with one of Emma’s designer handbags.
Elsewhere in Carrigstown, As Carol left to visit Jack in America, she decided to cool things with J.J.
Back at the pub, Sash was outraged when J.J. bought the TV and sports package for McCoy’s without her signing off on the idea.
A shocked Carol insisted that J.J. wouldn’t dare pull that with her at the Station.
However, Sash berated J.J. for his stunt and warned them that they were not allies.
To add fuel to the fire, Carol was left furious when J.J. tried to pull the same trick with the TV in the Station.
Carol warned J.J. never to interfere with her business again and gifted the TV to Steo.
The next minute, Carol was disappointed when she got word that her trip to see Jack was postponed.
Meanwhile, determined for her pop-up idea to succeed, Renee expedited her planning.
Despite Greg’s reservations, Renee was determined to set up shop in the Community Centre.
An overzealous Renee realised she was out of her depth when Hughie reminded her there were protocols to follow.
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