Coronation Street bosses ‘bans stars from appearing in Rovers Return as show desperately tries to cut costs’ after five stars quit in a month

Coronation Street stars are reportedly being excluded from the Rovers Return as the soap desperately tries to cut costs.

Rising TV production costs and a collapse in advertising revenue are said to have put the future of the ITV soap in jeopardy.

An insider has claimed that some of the show’s high-profile actors could see their scenes in the Rovers Return in a bid to save money.

It comes after Charlotte Jordan announced she was leaving the show after five years, following the likes of Sue Cleaver, Colson Smith and Helen Worth.

A source said The sun: ‘Charlotte’s departure is just the tip of the iceberg. Corrie is on its knees financially and bosses are forced to make difficult decisions.

‘The costs of producing television have risen by more than 50 percent, while the advertising market that finances these costs has virtually collapsed. The cast aren’t happy about it, but ITV has no choice but to make cuts.’

Salaries on Coronation Street vary considerably, with established stars such as Bill Roache reportedly earning £2,000 per episode, while newcomers are typically paid £400 per appearance.

The move has reportedly infuriated the soap’s actors, as previously the Rovers Return would be filled with several stars who would all be paid for appearing even though they barely spoke on screen.

The insider added: ‘The bar staff obviously had to be in all the Rovers scenes so it was a big money earner for them. But those days are long gone; it’s just too expensive.’

The Rovers Return was closed for a significant portion of 2023 as landlady Jenny Connor (Sally Ann Matthews) suffered financial difficulties.

This plot is said to have been a secret cost saving by producers as it meant they could cut all the major group scenes in the pub.

The publication also reports that changes to filming schedules and restrictions on freelancers are being used to save money.

As more established stars are paid more per episode, the show would rely more on the newer characters because those actors are paid less.

Gail Platt – played by Helen Worth for fifty years – appeared in just 26 of the 304 episodes in her final year on the soap.

Bill Roache as Ken appeared in just 48 episodes, while Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) appeared in just 29 episodes.

Insiders claimed that some of the show’s established stars are now worried about how they will pay their mortgages amid all the budget cuts.

Both Corrie and fellow ITV soap Emmerdale organize regular set tours in a bid to make money, while Weatherfield now has its own EE store in a ‘product placement’ deal.

In contrast, Corrie’s BBC rival EastEnders is still in a healthy financial position thanks to its license fee and overseas deals.

But sources claim there are now concerns over whether Corrie – who turns 65 this year – will reach the age of 70 in its current form.

MailOnline has contacted Coronation Street representatives for comment.

Charlotte Jordan announced on Tuesday that she is saying goodbye to the cobblestones to ‘explore other options’.

In a statement she said: ‘My time on Coronation Street is something I will always cherish. After four wonderful years for Daisy, it is time for me to start a new chapter and explore other possibilities.”

‘It was a privilege to be part of a wonderful institution with even more wonderful colleagues who taught me so much.’

Sue Cleaver, 61, who plays the iconic Eileen Grimshaw announced last week that she would be quitting after 25 years on the cobbles to pursue new acting projects.

The actress has already started filming her exit storyline, but will still appear on viewers’ screens until late spring.

The Loose Women panelist revealed her departure, explaining that Eileen will not be killed off by producers, leaving the door open for her to potentially return in the future.

Sue said:I’ve had 25 privileged years on Coronation Street. The door is still open, but when I turned 60, I decided it was time to embrace change, seek new adventures and live fearlessly.”

Colson also confirmed he would be leaving this summer after fourteen years on the soap as police officer Craig Tinker.

The actor, 26, exclusively revealed to MailOnline this weekend that he was told he would be written out of the show in autumn 2024.

Reflecting on his appearance on the show, Colson confessed that he has loved “every second” of his time on the show and feels “incredibly lucky” to have been part of the show for so long.

Colson told MailOnline: ‘Last autumn I was told that Craig Tinker’s time at the Cobbles was coming to an end in 2025.

‘I have enjoyed every second of my fourteen-year stay as a resident of the most beautiful street in the world. I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street.

“I’ve learned pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I’m excited to play the exit story for our Craigy.

‘For me this is the end of the beginning. I really can’t wait to see what chapter two has in store for me.”

Debbie Webster, played by Sue Devaney, will reportedly be killed off this year as part of a hard-hitting dementia storyline, after six years in the cast.

Corrie attracted just 2.6 million viewers for the Christmas Day special, which saw Gail Platt depart after 50 years on the show.

And last week, The sun claimed producers can now only guarantee contracts until the end of 2025, amid tighter budgets.

A source told the publication: ‘The Corrie cast is huge and some don’t get enough episodes.

“A pay-by-episode couple are struggling to pay their mortgage and must supplement their income with personal appearances and Instagram ads.

‘Many cast members now have ‘guest contracts’, such as Maureen Lipman and Kate Ford. These are short-lived, so they can come and go and take longer breaks. The cast has been told they cannot guarantee contracts beyond the end of 2025.”