Soaps

Coronation Street, Emmerdale stars 'expecting to face pay cuts'

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: May 26 2020 | 10:32

Last updated: July 2 2020 | 18:50

Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars are reportedly fearful of having their wages cut after the coronavirus pandemic passes.

Actors on Coronation Street and Emmerdale are said to be worried that their wages will be cut as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

ITV has continued to pay its soap stars during the coronavirus lockdown and is in the process of restarting full production on both shows.

However, the network's advertising revenues have plunged by around 40% due to the lockdown, which could result in a corresponding slashing of production budgets further down the line.

According to The Sun, ITV will protect its biggest stars from having their salaries cut - but others, including younger cast on the soaps, are at risk of losing out.

Some actors have contracts which see them paid according to how many episodes they appear in, so if fewer episodes are produced or they are used more sparingly, their income could take a significant hit.

Emmerdale returned to filming last week but will use just 13 cast members across six special lockdown episodes.