Coronation Street Cast Furious Over Budget Cuts Amid Reduced Airtime, Star Exodus

The Coronation Street cast and crew are facing significant challenges due to ongoing budget cuts at ITV, which have led to reduced filming at key locations like the Rovers Return pub and the departure of several long-standing cast members. These financial constraints have also resulted in the cast having to pay £22 each to fund their own summer party, with drinks not included, causing frustration among both stars and staff. The soap's weekly airtime is being reduced from six to five hours starting in 2026, with a 'soap power hour' format featuring half-hour episodes of Emmerdale and Coronation Street airing consecutively. The budget cuts are part of a broader cost-saving effort by ITV amid rising production costs and declining advertising revenue, which has sparked concerns about the future of the show. Despite the setbacks, the cast remains hopeful, with some noting that the new episode structure could improve storytelling clarity. The cast and crew's discontent reflects the wider impact of ITV's financial pressures on one of its flagship soaps.