ITV bosses are said to be preparing major cast cuts across their two flagship soaps, with proposals to axe one in ten actors as part of fresh cost-cutting measures.
Both Coronation Street and Emmerdale could also see the number of scenes per episode reduced as ITV attempts to shave a further £15 million from its total budget, reports The Sun.
The network’s profits have reportedly dropped by 44 per cent to £99 million over the first half of the year, prompting a renewed push to rein in production costs.
Sources claim executives are now urging soap producers to slash their growing budgets, with cast numbers a key area under review. Coronation Street currently employs 84 permanent cast members, while Emmerdale has 70.
A source said: “It’s brutal. We’ve known it was on the cards for a while, but they’re really cranking it up now and it’s across the soaps.
“They’re looking to save millions and Corrie and Emmerdale are the obvious places. They’re very expensive shows.
“Many who have been there for a long time are reliant on their income staying as it is. The amount of cast has spiralled out of control and focusing on dialogue, not action, could also save money.”
Production insiders have also suggested the number of scenes per episode—currently averaging around 20—may be cut to reduce filming costs. Fewer characters might also appear in each episode to help keep budgets down.
While some veteran cast members are on full-time contracts with salaries, most are paid per episode, meaning that trimming screen time or overall scenes could reduce outgoings significantly.
The proposed changes come as ITV implements cuts across its daytime schedule. Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women have all reportedly been affected, with hundreds of staff let go in recent months.
Responding to reports of soap cast reductions, an ITV spokesperson said: “This is complete speculation.”