‘Coronation Street’ has signed almost half of its cast to new contracts.
The ITV soap is determined to keep the services of its best-loved stars, following the departures of the likes Michelle Keegan, and has handed new 12-month contracts to 14 actors and actresses including Kate Ford (Tracy Barlow), Alan Halsall (Tyrone Dobbs) and Ryan Thomas (Jason Grimshaw).
Other stars who have been given pay rises include Tisha Merry (Steph Britton), Samia Ghadie (Maria Connor), Sam Aston (Chesney Brown) and Katie McGlynn (Sinead Tinker).
A source told The Sun newspaper: "There has been a lot of change at ‘Corrie’ and the bosses were determined not to lose more people. But everyone was surprised when they decided to renew 14 contracts at once. It was quite a dramatic move, and reflects how keen they are to secure a host of cast members who they see as real assets."
Brunette beauty Samia – along with Sam and Katie – have even been promised exciting new storylines after being guaranteed a minimum amount of airtime.
Bosses were particularly eager to keep Samia on board following Michelle Keegan’s departure.
The source added: "The bosses were especially keen to keep Samia. Maria is popular and, after Michelle’s exit, they don’t want to lose any more young female stars."
‘Corrie’ has been rocked by a string of stars quitting in the last year, including Michelle, Michelle Collins and Chris Gascoyne.
Coronation Street stars get new contracts
