ITV are reportedly facing a ‘budget crisis’ amid a number of departures for Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
In the past few months, a variety of stars from both shows have either left the show or are due to leave. Corrie and Emmerdale also both failed to reach the Christmas Day Top 10 for viewing figures.
Rival soap EastEnders managed to make the list – with two outings coming in at 5th and 8th place.
Audiences bid a fond farewell to continuing drama legend Helen Worth over the festive period, when she departed her Gail Platt role after 50 years.
The episode secured just 2.6 million viewers, compared to the BBC soap’s combined 3.98 and 4.39 million.
According to The Sun, cast are fearing what this might mean for their contracts beyond 2025.
‘The cast of Corrie is huge and some aren’t getting enough episodes’ a source told the publication.
‘A few paid per episode are struggling to pay mortgages are having to supplement income with personal appearances and ads on Instagram.
‘A lot of cast members are now on ‘guest contracts’ like Maureen Lipman and Kate Ford.’
Kate’s Tracy McDonald departed for pastures new in Spain with boyfriend Tommy Orpington (Matt Milburn) in April, though has made regular returns since.
Evelyn Plummer has decided to study law at university, with Maureen explaining that she took the decision to temporarily leave so that she could have a ‘gap year’ with husband-to-be David Turner.
Coronation Street cast exits - who is going?
Sue Devaney as Debbie Webster
Fans have been left distraught at news of Debbie's upcoming departure, with the character being written out as part of a storyline focusing on dementia.
A source told Metro: 'It’s one of the show’s biggest storylines of the year, and a real chance for Sue to finally get her time in the spotlight – it will just be devastating for fans that it will effectively be her final storyline.
‘It’s one of many major storylines new boss Kate Brooks has in the bag, and there will not be a dry eye in the house.
‘There is no doubt in the Corrie family that she will give the performance of a lifetime and make Debbie’s exit one to remember for years.’
Sue Cleaver as Eileen Grimshaw
Loose Women and I'm A Celebrity star Sue has been central to the show for two and a half decades but now she will be saying goodbye.
She confirmed: ‘I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street.’
‘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.'
Colson Smith as Craig Tinker
After 14 years, Corrie has decided to also write out police officer Craig, with the actor sharing his love for the show on social media following the decision, delivered to him last 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.
'I've learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I'm excited to play out the exit story for our Craigy. For me, this is just the end of the beginning.
'I genuinely can't wait to see what chapter 2 has in store for me. Long live the cobbles!'
Charlotte Jordan as Daisy Midgeley
After a very busy four years on the show, Daisy is set to leave as part of a currently to-secret explosive storyline, with Charlotte keen to try other projects.
She said in a statement: '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.
'It’s been a privilege to be part of a wonderful institution with even more wonderful colleagues who have taught me so much.
'After a brilliant four years for Daisy it’s time for me to start a new chapter and explore other opportunities.'
Shelley King as Yasmeen Metcalfe
After 10 years, Yasmeen will be departing the cobbles - and she has already filmed her final scenes in December, so expect her last episode soon.
Metro understands that she won't be killed off.
A show insider has clarified: ‘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 has come for her to explore other opportunities.
‘Shelley is an accomplished stage and television actress and we fully understand her desire to take her career in another direction after 10 years playing the same role.
‘She filmed her final scenes in December.’
Paddy Bever as Max Turner
With Paddy having filmed his final scenes, it is expected he will leave in spring.
‘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, Paddy, 22, said in a statement.
Talking to The Mirror, he added: ‘It’s been a great privilege to contribute to the legacy of such a well-loved and iconic show. This chapter has been unforgettable and while I look forward to what lies ahead, I will treasure these memories.’
Who is leaving Emmerdale in 2025?
Current Emmerdale stars set to leave the show:
- Roxy Shahidi as Leyla Harding
- Lesley Dunlop as Brenda Walker
- Susan Cookson as Wendy Posner
- Paula Lane as Ella Forster
The source continued: ‘These are short term, so they can come and go and take extended breaks. The cast have been told they can’t guarantee any contracts beyond the end of 2025.
‘Bosses are trying to use a lot of the younger cast who are on less money so the episodes are cheaper to make. They have a knife-crime storyline coming up featuring the youngsters when one of them will get stabbed.’
Earlier this year, Metro exclusively revealed that Sue Devaney will be bowing out of her Debbie Webster role as part of a dementia storyline, although she is expected to remain with the show for some time.
This morning, it was confirmed Charlotte Jordan has quit the ITV soap as Daisy Midgeley.
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Charlotte is the sixth cast member to depart the cobbles in a very short space of time. A few days ago, it was revealed Sue Cleaver is leaving Eileen Grimshaw behind after sporadic appearances across the year.
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Meanwhile, Colson Smith just this week confirmed he was being written out as Craig Tinker after four years – on the same day that Luca Toolan’s Mason Radcliffe was killed off on screen.
Over in Emmerdale, Roxy Shahidi (Leyla Harding), Lesley Dunlop (Brenda Walker), Susan Cookson (Wendy Posner), Paula Lane (Ella Forster) are all set to leave the village.
This article was originally published on December 30, 2024.
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