Updated: Crowther to wield the axe on Corrie

New Coronation Street producer Kim Crowther will get rid of some of the show's older stars in a bid to cut costs.

The Sun reports that five long-serving actors could face the axe by the end of the year.

"There is a feeling the show needs a younger and sexier feel," a source revealed. "The recent stars have been younger characters like David Platt, but many of the older characters are on huge money and are hardly involved.

"Everyone is very edgy, especially the greyer stars."

The move follows similar cast shake-ups on Emmerdale, where Anita Turner is eager to bring in fresh faces.

The Corrie insider added: "Some of the older stars haven't approved of some of the racier storylines.

"But that’s the way the show is going so they are under threat. It’s not only them. Some of the very new characters who have not worked out will also get the boot."

However, a Corrie spokeswoman today told DS: "It's just pure speculation - there's no truth in it whatsoever."