Seven 'Coronation Street' characters axed

Coronation Street bosses have axed seven characters from the soap.

The Morton clan - Kebab shop boss Jerry (Michael Starke) and children Mel (Emma Edmondson), Darryl (Johnny Dixon), Kayleigh (Jessica Bardon) and Finlay (Ramone Quinn) - will leave later this year after joining the cast last March.

Jack Ellis and Matthew Crompton, who have played father and son bookies Harry and Dan Mason since December, will also bow out in the autumn.

A source told The Sun: “The producers had a big forward planning meeting this week and have decided to axe a number of characters. Most of the actors were called in at lunchtime and told - they are gutted.”

Ian Reddington, who plays Liz McDonald’s new husband Vernon Tomlin, will also make his exit in September.

Show boss Kim Crowther said: “Coronation Street has always had a tradition of characters who come in to play out storylines beside established characters before moving on.

“As in any community there are people who live there for years and people who pass through. We still have some interesting storylines to play with these characters. They are all very talented actors and we wish them well.”

Reports that Crowther was was looking to axe five long-serving cast members were recently denied.