Corrie's older stars avoid the chop

Coronation Street boss Kim Crowther will not fire the soap's veteran stars, The Mirror reports.

Tabloid rumours earlier in the month suggested that Crowther was looking to axe five long-serving cast members by the end of the year.

However, the producer reportedly set up meetings with each member of the cast to discuss storylines and reassure them about their future.

A soap insider said: "There have been rumours that the older stars may be in line for the chop. But that couldn't be further from the truth.

"Kim is steeped in the history of the Street and believes the old-guard artists are crucial to the show.

"She believes the likes of Bill Roache (Ken Barlow) Barbara Knox (Rita Sullivan) and Eileen Derbyshire (Emily Bishop) are firm favourites with the viewers."