Callard's Corrie pay packet slashed

Coronation Street's Bev Callard's salary has been cut by 40% due to the credit crunch.

The actress, who plays barmaid Liz McDonald in the ITV soap, has signed a new deal meaning that she will only be paid on a per-episode basis.

Callard currently takes home £120,000 per year, but will have to feature in prominent storylines and be on camera all the time if she is to match her old pay packet.

A source revealed to The Sun: "Bev's really shocked by just how hard times are on Corrie. She's not the only star facing bad news, but she's been hit the hardest so far.

"Bev's a businesswoman and hasn't had the easiest time. While she understands the problems bosses face, it's making life very difficult."

A soap insider added: "Contracts come up for renewal at different times. Characters with less air-time are really going to struggle."

Callard has been forced to cancel her wedding to Jon McEwan as a result of her salary cut.