Five stars extend Corrie contracts

Antony Cotton, Samia Smith, Anne Kirkbride, Michelle Keegan and Sam Aston have all signed new 12-month contracts with Coronation Street.

Smith (Maria Connor), Kirkbride (Deirdre Barlow) and Cotton (Sean Tully) have been promised gripping storylines, according to The Sun.

"Samia has had a hectic year as Maria and there are plenty more storylines to come," said a source.

"After Liam's murder she has to bring his baby into the world alone, and there's heartbreak and joy lined up for her character.

"And Deirdre has a big role to play when husband Ken's son Peter turns up next month and dumps his five-year-old son on them. His return causes real friction in the Barlow household."

Keegan (Tina McIntyre) and Aston (Chesney Battersby-Brown) will also be appearing on the show for another year.

The insider added: "Michelle has undoubtedly been our best signing this year. She's very sassy and made the character of Tina her own."