Corrie boss reassures Betty Driver over job

Coronation Street's new producer Phil Collinson phoned show veteran Betty Driver yesterday evening to assure her about her future with the show.

A Sunday tabloid reported that the 89-year-old - who won this year's 'Lifetime Achievement' trophy at the British Soap Awards - had expressed her intentions to retire after the show's 50th anniversary celebrations in December.

However, Corrie bosses were quick to ensure that Driver knew her job was safe and that she is "very much" a part of their golden year.

A source told The Mirror: "She told him she hadn't been saying anything about wanting to retire. She's obviously not as fit as she used to be but she loves the place and everybody loves her."

They added: "She was assured by Phil that she is very much part of our 50th anniversary plans later in the year and she was pleased with that."

Over the last few weeks, Collinson has axed Claire and Ashley Peacock (Julia Haworth and Steve Arnold) and crimper Natasha Blakeman (Rachel Leskovac).

Other departures this year will include Bill Tarmey (Jack Duckworth) and Vicky Binns (Molly Dobbs).