Coronation Street bosses have reportedly been compelled to alter one of their policies after cast members allegedly threatened to resign amid speculated salary reductions due to scheduling changes.
Background of the Rule Change
Stars of the ITV soap were previously prohibited from earning additional income through paid partnerships on social media. However, this restriction has been relaxed over the past year. Initially, actors were banned from promoting products online unless a prior agreement was secured with the ITV team. Most requests were reportedly denied, with only a few exceptions considered suitable. But in the last twelve months, management has had to ease these constraints following cast members' threats to leave the show.
Cast Concerns Over Pay Cuts
A source disclosed to The Sun that a "secret war" has been unfolding at the MediaCityUK studios since the cast, who are paid per episode, began facing pay cuts due to schedule changes resulting in fewer episodes aired annually. Fearing declining incomes, the cast insisted on being allowed to supplement their earnings through social media. The source stated: "Over the last 12 months, it got to the point where a lot of the show’s leading stars were close to threatening to quit unless they could be afforded the luxury of regularly topping up their salaries outside of the show." They added that the episode reductions "caused a real panic," especially as the cast are believed to earn modest salaries. The Sun estimated that key players earn between £45,000 and £80,000 per year.
Official Response from Coronation Street
A Coronation Street spokesperson commented: "For some time now, the Coronation Street cast have been able to do extracurricular work; all requests are considered on merit and must be approved by production."
Examples of Cast Members Engaging in Brand Deals
Stars who have begun securing sponsored content include Samia Longchambon, Sair Khan, and Lucy Fallon. While Sair has promoted a kitchen makeover and Lucy has done content for Jet2, Samia has landed an ongoing deal with M&S Food. Tina O'Brien and Kate Ford have also started brand partnerships. Tina has joined talent agency Alpha Talent Group, which works with stars like Helena Ford and Tommy Fury to secure brand deals. Meanwhile, Kate posted her first sponsored content on Instagram this year—a post promoting Elevate Collagen.
Impact of Potential Departures
The source told The Sun that Kate's sponsored posts were a "prime example" of how the threat of a cast member leaving reportedly pressured bosses into the rule change. They noted that her time away from the show last year resulted in her being essentially a "part-time cast member," and she realized her contract "could be holding her back." According to the source, Kate supported the relaxation of the rules, and it is believed this "saved her from quitting altogether." Lucy Fallon is also thought to have only agreed to return to the show on the condition that she could continue to secure paid partnerships. Meanwhile, Charlotte Jordan left the show and subsequently established a career as a social media influencer. The source said her and Sue Cleaver's departure was "a real shock" and was motivated by their desire for "freedom to now rake in cash elsewhere."
Conclusion
The source claimed that when the suggestion of pay cuts due to the drop in episode count was raised, bosses realized that continuing to prevent the cast from making money online could "cause a cast revolt." The Sun added that the cast still must obtain permission from the soap's bosses, but their requests are now being accepted rather than rejected.
