A host of Coronation Street ‘s biggest names have reportedly signed bumper new deals to remain on the cobbles.
It’s said that Corrie fans can now celebrate the soap’s 60th birthday next Wednesday with the knowledge that their favourite characters will be around for at least another year.
It’s said that new contracts have been signed by Bill Roache, who plays Ken Barlow, Simon Gregson, who stars as Steve McDonald, Sally Dynevor, who portrays Sally Metcalfe, Eileen Grimshaw star Sue Cleaver and Kevin Webster actor Michael Le Vell.
A source told The Sun : “These are the lifeblood of the show and, frankly, it would not be Corrie without them.
(Image: ITV)
“Despite a difficult year, bosses were delighted when they agreed deals, keeping them on screen until at least 2021.
“Between them, they have given nearly 200 years to the show.”
It comes after the ITV soap’s older cast members including Bill, 88, and Barbara Knox, 87, who plays Rita Sullivan, had to stay away from the set when stars first returned to filming during the coronavirus pandemic.
Bill has been in the soap ever since its very first episode in 1960.
(Image: ITV)
(Image: ITV Picture Desk)
He was recently handed a Guinness World Record after being named the world’s longest-serving soap star.
He once said that he’ll never quit the soap and believes he can continue playing Ken beyond his 100th birthday.
Earlier this year he told OK! : “There was a time in my forties when I did think about [leaving the show]. But I’ve always loved Coronation Street and I remember a director saying that, every now and then, you’ll get a scene in Corrie that is as good as any film, and that’s absolutely right. So I get tremendous job satisfaction and therefore I never seriously considered leaving.
(Image: ITV)
(Image: ITV)
“Retirement is not on the radar at all, I have no plans for that. I don’t even like to think about how they’d write Ken out if I did leave, because hopefully that is never going to happen.”
When asked if he’s ever felt frustrated by playing the same character for so long, Bill said: “No, because it’s not like being in a play and playing the same part every night. It’s the same character, but they change over the years, just as you do in your own life. I am very fond of Ken, I regard myself as his caretaker, but he is a different type of being to me. I am very sporty and I play golf, which Ken doesn’t do, but I like him and that’s all that is needed.”
Mirror Online has contacted ITV for comment.
Originally from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/coronation-streets-biggest-stars-sign-23113603