Bosses at the ITV soap have taken drastic action to safeguard the show’s production by changing the way they film.
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It is in the hopes that by cutting costs in the current cash-trapped climate, they can product the show itself.
But now a report has suggested that cast have had their scenes slashed in a cost-saving measure – and it has sparked fury behind the scenes.
It comes as show bosses are also said to have slashed the number of extras used, and increased “back-to-back” filming – when actors start on set at 7am and film all day.
An insider told the Sunday Mirror: “The changes haven’t gone down well with the cast.
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“Many of them are panicking about what these cuts mean for their futures. The Corrie cast is absolutely massive – it has well over 50 cast members in total – and some of them haven’t filmed for weeks, so they are starting to get really worried about the axe falling on them before long.
“There is currently a real feeling of disquiet behind the scenes and people are openly sharing their concerns.”
The report claims that by reducing the number of cast in scenes, it will cut costs – travel, hair and make-up and lighting.
Bosses are said to be cutting back on using freelancers and instead relying on in-house staff to do the lion’s share of the work.
The newspaper also claims morale has plunged on set over the changes, while ratings have plunged to just 3m – down from 24m highs in its heyday.
A source added: “The bosses are clearly trying to cut down on additional costs that are deemed surplus to requirements, which makes a lot of sense when you look at the pressures being felt all across the industry. But it has been quite unsettling for the cast and crew, and it feels like a very uncertain time.”
Earlier this year Corrie lost one of its sponsors with the Co-op deal coming to an end.
It had a shopfront on set and an infamous Co-op shopping bag hanging on the back of Tyrone and Fiz’s backdoor.
It was announced last week that award-winning Emmerdale producer Kate Brooks will take over Corrie after an industry-wide search to find Iain MacLeod’s replacement.
The former producer has been promoted to Executive Producer and will oversee both ITV soaps.
An ITV spokeswoman declined to comment to the Mirror.
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