Soaps
© ITV
The "unprecedented" contract comes at a time when the ITV soap is undergoing a cull under new producer Phil Collinson.
Stars including Steve Arnold, Julia Haworth, Vicky Binns and Steve Jackson are being axed as part of a shake-up. Yet Kelly, who plays Becky McDonald, has been given a "huge vote of confidence" by the ex-Doctor Who boss.
A source told the Daily Star Sunday: "Eighteen-month contracts are almost unprecedented at the moment so Katherine is over the moon. She can’t wait to start work with Phil and is looking forward to some great storylines."
Helen Flanagan, who plays Rosie Webster, has been handed a 12-month contract, while Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw, has also escaped the axe.
Related Stories
Soap Scoop
'Doctors' fire leads to terrible dangerMore details emerge of Doctors' big summer cliffhanger.
Soaps Interviews
'Hollyoaks': Joe Tracini interviewDigital Spy chats to Joe Tracini about a big week for Dennis Savage.
Soap Ratings
'The Apprentice' final hires nearly 7mEarlier, the BBC's coverage of the Diamond Jubilee entertains more than 10m.
Picture of the Day
POTD: Corrie's Rita is kidnappedRita's wedding day goes horribly wrong in Coronation Street tonight.
