Coronation Street stars ‘terrified every day at work will be their last’ with new and old cast ‘divided’ over salaries

TENSIONS are running high at crisis-hit Coronation Street, with cast treating every day as their last after high-profile exits, job losses and schedule cuts. 

One well-placed insider told The Sun: “A lot of them are terrified. You’ll find them whispering in small groups trying to find out the latest.”

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Big names including Colson Smith, who plays Craig Tinker, and Daisy Midgeley actress Charlotte Jordan have been confirmed to be leaving this year. 

Also bidding farewell to Weatherfield are Sue Cleaver – who has played Eileen Grimshaw for 25 years – and Yasmeen Nazir star Shelley King. 

And The Sun revealed earlier this month that Corrie episodes have been cut from six to five a week. 

Our source continued: “Some people are wondering whether it’s time to jump ship instead of sinking with Corrie. 

“It’s a different situation entirely but the news that Neighbours will be axed again has made them realise anything is possible in the TV industry. 

“Was the recent schedule cut just the beginning? That’s the question on everyone’s lips.”

The current Coronation Street cast is made up of soap legends who have been on the show for decades and fresh-faced stars hoping to use it as a springboard and emulate success enjoyed by the likes of Michelle Keegan and Suranne Jones. 

And some of the stars have been left reeling after hearing rumours particular members of the cast are being persuaded to stick around. 

An insider said: “The divide among the cast is undeniable. 

“Rumours are flying that bigger names are being offered new deals to stay, which has some of the younger actors feeling like they’re not part of bosses’ future plans for Corrie.

“Gone are the days that being a regular in a soap was seen as job security. 

“Now many of them are preparing themselves to be jobbing actors again, which comes with concerns about how they’re going to pay the mortgage or support their families.”

Coronation Street is the longest-running soap in the world – having launched back in 1960 – and is a British staple, so it’s no surprise that news of 75 job cuts across it and Emmerdale has left both stars and viewers concerned for its future. 

Even actors who made their name on the cobbles of Weatherfield have voiced fears the show is on its way out. 

Charlie Lawson, who played Les Battersby from 1989 until his last appearance in 2018, said recently: “I’ll be surprised if we have Emmerdale, Corrie and EastEnders in ten years.”

Coronation Street 2025 exits

Sue Cleaver – Eileen Grimshaw

Confirming her exit, Sue told The Sun: “The door is still firmly open but as I reached my 60th year, I decided it was time to embrace change, look for new adventures and live fearlessly.”

Yazmeen Nasir – Shelley King

Yazmeen will leave Weatherfield in the spring and a source told Radio Times: “Shelley spoke to producers early last year and advised that after 10 years on the show and being involved in many major storylines during the past decade, she had decided the time had come for her to explore other opportunities.”

Colson Smith – Craig Tinker

Colson revealed on Instagram that Craig will be written out this year. He said: “I’ve loved every single second of my 14-year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world. I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street.”

Charlotte Jordan – Daisy Midgeley

Charlotte told The Sun in 2024 that Daisy will leave in summer this year. She said: “My time at Coronation Street is something I’ll always cherish.

“After a brilliant four years for Daisy, it’s time for me to start a new chapter and explore other opportunities.”

Paddy Bever – Max Turner

It was confirmed last year that Paddy had quit his role as Max and his final scenes will air in the spring.

A statement from the actor read: “After much reflection and in an incredibly difficult decision, I have chosen to step away from Max and Coronation Street to explore new opportunities. I have been surrounded by such kindness and support every step of the way.”

And as ITV do everything possible to keep Corrie on the air, sources say cast and crew are bracing themselves for more bad news. 

An insider said: “It’s very clear this isn’t the end of cost-cutting measures from bosses. 

“There are already whispers of budgets being slashed further, which will almost certainly mean more stars axed from the show. 

“Lots of the cast are convinced it’s a matter of when and not if at this point.”

The Sun has contacted a Coronation Street rep for comment.

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