Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars could strike in pay row
Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars have reportedly threatened to strike over wide-swept pay cuts that will see some cast members lose as much as a sixth of their pay.
Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars have reportedly threatened to strike over wide-swept pay cuts.
Cast members from the soap have turned to acting union Equity for support after they received an email advising they will be filming fewer scenes, being paid less as a result, with some claiming they could lose as much as a sixth of their annual income in what has been described as a "pay-as-you-play" deal.
And now the union are said to be planning to ballot members over potential strike action.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper “An email went out from ITV management telling 140-odd actors and their agents simultaneously that all new contracts are being cut by a sixth from August.
“It’s caused uproar. There was no consultation. They effectively told the stars to ‘take it or leave it’...
“This is a major crisis. The actors and actresses of both Corrie and Emmerdale are furious.
“Some have been in tears and are worrying about paying their bills.”
One cast member has contacted Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy about the decision, and she is expected to also have discussions with Equity as she is "very concerned" about the move.
It is understood some of the longest-serving cast members will be protected due to their older contracts.
Pay ranges between £250,000 for the top earners and around £40,000 to £80,000 for newcomers, who are on pay per episode deals with a guaranteed minimum number of appearances.
ITV confirmed the changes will be implemented, while Equity said they are "supporting members across continuing dramas at ITV in relation to decisions made regarding contractual terms”.
News of the paycut comes days after ITV confirmed they are making another change, but one which will benefit Emmerdale and Coronation Street stars because they will be allowed to take short breaks from the soaps to appear in pantomime for the first time.
A spokesperson for ITV told Radio Times: "We've agreed to release a few of the actors from Emmerdale and Coronation Street to appear in pantomime this year.
"We've been looking at this for a while and with plenty of notice, we've been able to release the actors for a limited time.
The confirmation came after it was announced Bradley Riches will be taking a short break from playing Lewis Barton in order to take on the role of Peter Pan in The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook at the Sunderland Empire from December.
The Heartstopper actor - who joined Emmerdale in May last year - said in a statement: "I’m absolutely delighted to be returning to panto and especially to be playing Peter Pan again. It’s such an iconic and magical role.
"There’s nothing quite like the energy of a live audience at Christmas, and I can’t wait to be at the Sunderland Empire. It’s going to be a brilliant festive season – I’m so excited to get flying!"
