Corrie cast 'worried about new producer'

The stars of Coronation Street are reportedly worried that they will lose their jobs under a new producer.

Phil Collinson will join the show next month after Kim Crowther decided to step down.

However, the News of the World reports that the cast of the ITV1 soap are concerned that Collinson will decide to kill off up to six characters.

Veteran stars of the show, including William Roache (Ken Barlow), Barbara Knox (Rita Sullivan) and Bill Tarmey (Jack Duckworth) are expected to be safe because of the 50th anniversary later this year.

However, Malcolm Hebden (Norris Cole), Jimi Harkishin (Dev Alahan), Sue Cleaver (Eileen Grimshaw), Steven Arnold (Ashley Peacock), Julie Haworth (Claire Peacock) and Samia Smith (Maria Connor) are all thought to be facing the chop.

One cast member reportedly said: "Everyone fears for their jobs. I know I do. I'm just keeping my head down. But a new producer will always want to make their mark - bringing in new characters and getting rid of those they believe have gone stale."

The insider added: "We have had Corrie murderers Tricky Dicky [Richard Hillman] and Tony Gordon but the new boss could kill off more characters than those two put together."


DS

This from the News of the World

WORRIED Corrie stars are facing another killer on the cobbles - their new boss.
Actors fear as many as SIX regulars will be exterminated when ex-Dr Who supremo Phil Collinson takes over next month.

The new series producer - who famously axed Freema Agyeman as the Doctor's sidekick in 2007 - has already been dubbed Mr CULL-inson.

Vulnerable Corrie characters include Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden) and corner shop boss Dev Alahan (Jimi Harkishin). Other old favourites like cab controller Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver), Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold), screen wife Claire (Julie Haworth) and Maria Connor (Samia Smith) are also expected to be under scrutiny.

Last night one senior cast member told us: "Every one fears for their jobs. I know I do. I'm just keeping my head down.

"But a new producer will always want to make a mark - bringing in new characters and getting rid of those they believe have gone stale."

The Street celebrates its 50th birthday later this year, so soap royalty like Ken Barlow (William Roache), Rita Sullivan (actress Barbara Knox) and Jack Duckworth (Bill Tarmey) will be safe.


Collinson will replace outgoing producer Kim Crowther.


Our source added: "We have had Corrie murderers Tricky Dicky and Tony Gordon but the new boss could kill off more characters than those two put together."

Would not mind Maria going, want the others to stay :)

I hope they keep Norris as he is a fantastic character and could be the new Blanche. I cant really see them getting rid of Dev now that he an Sunita are getting back together, Eileen should stay because there is great interaction between her and Steve. Moaning Maria can go anytime and as for Mr and Mrs Average, helium voice Ashley Peacock and his boring wife then I afraid their time has come too.

Ashley and Claire are the only ones on the list I'd really like to see the back of. They went stale a long time ago.

There's no way they'd axe Norris as he's one of the best things about Corrie.

Sommetimes they get rid off popular characters though, making the show dramatic

Maybe mad Mary'll do away with Norris in the upcoming "Misery" style storyline. :eek: I doubt it, though.

:eek: Hope not :nono:

I think the show would be better without these characters in it.

i would not like ayone on that list to go, least of maria - she is a very good character and samia is an amazing actress.

Any having spoken to kris green from digital spy, its not likely true as the new producer hasn't even started work at corrie an as kris says the NOTW just need to make up coloum inches. Bit of a non story really.

Every new producer will change the set-up, so there will be characters that will go, even if Kris Green is not yet aware of it

not nessacarly and at the mment the producer hasn't started work at corrie so no one is facing the chop. Perhaphs he may want to axe 1 or 2 characters but that will depend on their storyline and how adavanced it is onscreen when he offically takes over. For a period of time he will be working along side kim crowther to learn the rules and herstorylines will be on screen untill the end of the year at least. With herstorylines being the one for the 50 anniversry as well.