'Emmerdale' cast fear for their jobs

Emmerdale's series producer Anita Turner has sparked fears that a major cast cull could be on the way, according to a report.

The show's stars are currently preparing to negotiate new contracts for the ITV1 soap next week. According to The Mirror, Turner has already warned that every cast member is "under review".

An insider told the newspaper: "No one is safe. Over the next few weeks there is going to be a big shake-up and some will head for the exit. It is no secret Anita wants to breathe in new life even at the cost of losing big names. Everyone is worried for their future."

A spokesman for the soap confirmed: "Actors are never contracted beyond 12 months. Contracts for 2009 are under way as is the case every year. We do not comment on speculation about the long-term future of characters."

Turner joined the ITV1 soap at the beginning of the year. Shortly afterwards, Christopher Villiers (Grayson Sinclair) and Richard Grieve (Jonny Foster) were axed. It was then claimed that Turner had sacked two-year-old Benjamin Shooter, who played Samson Dingle, for crying too much on set.

The show's leading lady has promised to bring Emmerdale "back to its roots" in the coming months. She has also pledged to replace departing cast members with new faces.