‘Coronation Street’ bosses have been warned their three-tier pay system will result in stars "jumping ship".
The ITV soap is reportedly facing an exodus over the differences in pay, with actors including William Roache, 83, and Michael Le Vell, 50, both on £250,000 a year while Kym Marsh and Ryan Thomas – who quit earlier this year – are paid approximately £100,000 and new arrivals just £40,000.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "There are several other big names ready to jump ship.
"Ryan was a shock but a lot of established stars on the smaller money don’t think it’s worth the cash."
In addition to Ryan – who is said to be planning a move to Hollywood when he leaves ‘Corrie’ next summer – Alison King, 42, and Craig Charles, 51, have also quit the soap in recent months.
As well as being angry over the pay system, stars are also said to be unhappy about the ban on product endorsements and starring in Christmas pantomimes.
The news comes after the stars themselves were warned that there’s no guarantee their contracts will be renewed by new boss Kate Oates next year.
A source said previously: "A few people have been raising the tentative question about their contracts being renewed or extended, but the answer has been it will all have to wait until the new year — and that has set a few nerves jangling.
"Everyone has been told there will be personal sit-downs with the new boss, who will have her own ideas about how their characters will progress — or not."
Coronation Street bosses warned they face exodus of stars
