Soaps

Coronation Street ‘panic as contract negotiations put on hold’ during coronavirus

The shutdown is affecting contracts too

Stars of Coronation Street are reportedly “in a state of panic” while contract negotiations are on hold after filming was suspended on the soap.

According to reports, deals for some soap favourites will expire within the next two months amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Samia is one of the stars whose deals expire during the shutdown (Credit: ITV)

The Sun reports that top names like Samia Longchambon, Sam Robertson and Charlie de Melo all have deals that will run out during lockdown.

A source revealed to the newspaper that “general conversations” are happening but all formal discussions are on hold.

The source said: “This is a very uncertain time — and that’s particularly true for those whose contracts are up for renewal.

Read more: Coronation Street fans’ horror as Geoff turns violent with Yasmeen

“It was very unsettling for them to be sent home knowing the future isn’t decided.

“The show’s bosses have done everything to reassure them, but until some sort of normality is resumed, negotiations won’t be completed.”

Ent Daily has contacted reps for Corrie for comment.

HOW DOES CORONAVIRUS AFFECT THE SOAPS?

All of the soaps have shut down filming.

They have also cut the number of episodes broadcast each week to accommodate the changes.

As a result timelines will be out of date and events like Easter will air on the wrong dates.

rovers return Jenny Johnny
The soap is not filming at the moment (Credit: ITV)

EastEnders was the first to stop filming with the BBC taking the decision to safeguard the cast and crew of all of their continuing dramas, including Holby City and Casualty.

They also immediately reduced the number of episodes they were broadcasting each week to two.

The soap now airs on Mondays at 8pm and Tuesdays at 7.30pm.

Coronation Street and Emmerdale at first went down to a skeleton cast and crew, but followed suit a week later by announcing filming had been suspended.

Read more: Coronation Street teases dark storyline for David Platt

They have also reduced their episode output to three episodes per week.

Both soaps will screen on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Emmerdale at 7pm and Coronation Street at 7.30pm.

Hollyoaks cut down to three episodes a week originally.

However, as of Monday they will only screen on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!