Coronation Street legend Andy Whyment leads denials of soap’s ‘crisis’ with other cast wading in
Coronation Street star Andrew Whyment has spoken out amid discussions in the media that the ITV soap is in ‘crisis’.
In recent weeks, it has been reported that ITV is facing a ‘budget crisis’, amid a number of departures from both Corrie and Emmerdale.
The most recent star to announce their exit from the Manchester-based soap was Daisy Midgeley actress Charlotte Jordan, following similar announcements from Craig Tinker star Colson Smith, and Sue Cleaver, who plays Elieen Grimshaw.
Now, Kirk Sutherland star Andy has spoken out against claims that the show is facing a crisis, with countless co-stars sharing his sentiment.
Taking to Instagram, the actor wrote: ‘There is a story about Coronation Street in the press nearly every day at the moment.
‘I’d just like to say that the show is not on its knees and there is most certainly not a cast revolt as one article has said.
‘Please don’t believe everything you read, I for at least one cast member am extremely happy and feel very grateful to still be working on Coronation Street,’ he added.
His co-stars past and present were quick to rush to the comments, with Sue Cleaver writing: ‘Corrie will always be my family!’
‘Well said darling, me too proud to be part of the Corrie team,’ Claire Sweeney, who plays Cassie Plummer said.
‘We really do have the best job with the best people don’t we bud. Still pinch myself,’ Abi Webster actress Sally Carman penned, while DS Lisa Swain star Vicky Myers added: ‘Absolutely!! Well said Andy.’
Jane Hazlegrove, who plays Bernie Winter, also shared her view, writing: ‘Yes ! Andy ! Yes ! Well bloody said! Brilliant bunch of kind clever creatives both in front of the camera and behind! Away with the negativity!’
‘Amen to that,’ Leanne Battersby actress Jane Danson wrote, before adding: ‘also we are a cast and crew who care and respect eachother deeply – through good times and bad . Through life and work . We are family.’
Calum Lill, who played Corrie villain Joel Deering, also agreed, saying: ‘The most incredible place to work with some of the best humans on the planet.’
Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick, who plays Vanessa Woodfield, also showed her support by writing: ‘Love this.’
Coronation Street recently welcomed a new producer, when Kate Brooks took over the role from Iain MacLeod.
Kate has promised big things ahead for the show, including unexpected exits, new characters and some familiar faces returning.
Fans can also expect to see some big stunts in the coming weeks, including a deadly fire set to rip through the Platts’ house.
Recently, fans took to social media to applaud the ITV soap for an emotional episode tackling knife crime, which saw Mason Radcliffe (Luca Toolan) stabbed to death.
Fans called for the episode to be mandatory viewing in schools, as well as suggesting that it should win awards.
