Coronation Street

Coronation Street legend Andy Whyment leads denials of soap’s ‘crisis’ with other cast wading in

Andy Whyment mỉm cười tại Lễ trao giải Truyền hình Quốc gia năm 2017.

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.

Andy Whyment smiling at the National Television Awards 2017.

‘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.’

The Platt family actors gather around Helen Worth as she films her final Coronation Street scene after 50 years
The Corrie cast are a tight-knit bunch (Picture: ITV)

Coronation Street cast exits – who is going?

Sue Devaney as Debbie Webster

Fans have been left distraught at news of Debbie’s upcoming departure, with the character being written out as part of a storyline focusing on dementia.

A source told Metro: ‘It’s one of the show’s biggest storylines of the year, and a real chance for Sue to finally get her time in the spotlight – it will just be devastating for fans that it will effectively be her final storyline.

‘It’s one of many major storylines new boss Kate Brooks has in the bag, and there will not be a dry eye in the house.

‘There is no doubt in the Corrie family that she will give the performance of a lifetime and make Debbie’s exit one to remember for years.’

Sue Cleaver as Eileen Grimshaw

Loose Women and I’m A Celebrity star Sue has been central to the show for two and a half decades but now she will be saying goodbye.

She confirmed: ‘I’ve had 25 privileged years of working on Coronation Street.’

‘The door is still firmly open, but as I reached my 60th year, I decided it was time to embrace change, look for new adventures, and live fearlessly.’

Colson Smith as Craig Tinker

After 14 years, Corrie has decided to also write out police officer Craig, with the actor sharing his love for the show on social media following the decision, delivered to him last year.

He said: ‘I’ve loved every single second of my 14-year stay as a resident on the greatest street in the world. I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in, on and around Coronation Street.

‘I’ve learnt pretty much everything about life from the people who call it home. I’m excited to play out the exit story for our Craigy. For me, this is just the end of the beginning.

‘I genuinely can’t wait to see what chapter 2 has in store for me. Long live the cobbles!’

Charlotte Jordan as Daisy Midgeley

After a very busy four years on the show, Daisy is set to leave as part of a currently to-secret explosive storyline, with Charlotte keen to try other projects.

She said in a statement: ‘My time at Coronation Street is something I’ll always cherish.

‘After a brilliant four years for Daisy, it’s time for me to start a new chapter and explore other opportunities.

‘It’s been a privilege to be part of a wonderful institution with even more wonderful colleagues who have taught me so much.

‘After a brilliant four years for Daisy it’s time for me to start a new chapter and explore other opportunities.’

Helen Worth as Gail Platt

Fans were left reeling when Helen announced her retirement after half a century, with Gail marrying Jesse Chapman (John Thomson) on Christmas Day and bidding her family farewell.

She said: ‘I made the decision at the start of the year and spoke to the producers who were very kind and understanding.

‘I have been truly blessed to have been given the most incredible scripts week in week out, and to have worked with fantastic actors, directors and a brilliant crew.

‘The past 50 years have flown by and I don’t think the fact that I am leaving has quite sunk in yet.’

Luca Toolan as Mason Radcliffe

There wasn’t a dry eye in the UK in the new year when Corrie shocked fans by killing off Mason as part of a knife crime storyline.

Addressing the decision to write out the character, Luca said: ‘When I first heard there was a mixture of emotions because I was sad that Mason was going to die and that means I would be leaving, but equally I was really excited and honoured to be part of this storyline because it’s an incredibly important issue that needs to be tackled.

‘I feel so privileged to have had this opportunity to start my professional career at Coronation Street and what a great time I’ve had.’

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.

Gary, Liam, Maria, Abi, Tim, Sally, Betsy, Mason, Asha, Dylan and Sean gathered around the swings in Coronation Street's precinct, under a gloomy sky.
Corrie recently tackled the issue of knife crime (Picture: ITV)

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.

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