Coronation Street characters Kevin Webster, Maria Connor, Steve McDonald and Billy Mayhew are reportedly among those guaranteed to be staying in Weatherfield for some time.
The actors who play the fan favourites – Michael Le Vell, Samia Longchambon, Simon Gregson and Daniel Brocklebank – are among big-name stars who have reportedly signed new contracts to remain on the cobbles.
The new agreements are said to be a “thank you” from the long-running soap’s bosses for the actors’ “keep calm and carry on” attitude during the pandemic, reports the Daily Star.
Together with the crew, the stars have had to face delays and extra restrictions while filming, regular coronavirus testing, as well as big changes to plotlines to avoid contact.
An ITV insider told the Star: “The actors have had a tough time over the last year and a bit what with the show going into lockdown, Covid outbreaks on set, reduced episode numbers and social distancing on the show.
“So it’s great news that so many of the big name cast want to stay.
“On top of that no-one will be getting the chop just to create a ratings boost.
“The bosses wanted to create a mood where the cast feels secure in such turbulent times.”
Daniel, 41, who plays vicar Billy, welcomed the news. He’s been in the hit ITV drama since 2014, and says that it’s allowed him to feel secure for the first time in years.
He revealed, “For the first 20-odd years of my career I was travelling a lot and always away on jobs.
“Being at Corrie means I’ve been able to put down some roots.
“I’ve been on telly since I was 14 but this is the first time I’ve been able to wake up in my own bed, shower in my own bathroom and get my pants out of a drawer rather than an overnight bag.”
“I’m so incredibly happy there that I skip into work – well, not literally skip, that would look weird – but I love it,” Daniel joked.
It’s been reported that several of the established cast members are now considered “untouchable”, meaning that we’ll be seeing plenty more of them in Weatherfield for months to come.
As well as Simon, Samia, Daniel and Michael, Melanie Hill, who plays Cathy Matthews, Sally Dyvenor as Sally Webster, and Sue Cleaver as Eileen Grimshaw are said to be safe from the axe.