Latest news with #SoapAwards
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Coronation Street cast 'left furious over budget cuts as they suffer another blow' after stars axed and episodes slashed
The Coronation Street cast have reportedly been 'left furious over budget cuts as they suffered yet another blow,' on Thursday. The ITV soap is set to have its episode count slashed by bosses after already seeing a number of stars axed from the programme. Now, the cuts have put another 'dampener' on the cast with their annual summer party said to have been cancelled. A source told The Sun that the stars have organised and will be paying for their own get together this year instead. They explained: 'It's been a difficult few months and people were really looking forward to the party, but it puts a bit of a dampener on things that they have to pay. 'It might not be a lot to some of the bigger known stars but for some staff it is. The fact that drinks aren't included is a real blow too.' The source added: 'People aren't really that surprised though considering the constant budget cuts.' MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment. Coronation Street star Rob Mallard previously revealed the cast's reaction to the soap's recent cuts. Soaring production costs and a collapse in advertising revenue are said to have put the future of the long-running soap in jeopardy and sparked a number of budget cuts. Speaking to MailOnline on the red carpet at the Soap Awards, Rob, who plays Daniel Osbourne, shared the cast's reaction to the changes. He said: 'People who have been in the show for a long time said they thought it was going to be better, because they seem to remember it being like that at some point in the past, and I think in terms of the way we structure our episode. 'We won't have to have so many artificial cliffhangers, because there's no coming back for part two. It's all there in one, so it's going to make the storytelling a lot clearer.' After Lucy Fallon exited the soap earlier this year to give birth to her second child, Rob shared when fans can expect to see Bethany Platt back on screens. He added: 'She's coming back, she's gone off to have her baby, from what I understand she was coming back pretty much as soon as she was able to.' From January 2026, Corrie will reduce to six weekly episodes to just five, airing alongside Emmerdale in a 'new soaps power hour.' It's been reported the ITV soap is in trouble due to an alleged cash crisis and a revolt from the cast over poor working conditions and low salaries. In January, an insider claimed some of the show's well known actors could see their scenes in the Rovers Return cut to save cash. As more well-established stars are paid more per episode, the show is said to be relying more on its newer characters as those actors are paid less. Salaries on the cobbles vary significantly with established stars like Bill Roache said to earn £2,000 per episode while newbies usually get £400 per appearance Gail Platt - played by Helen Worth for 50 years - appeared in just 26 out of 304 episodes in her final year on the soap, while Bill only played Ken for 48 episodes. While some of the show's mid-ranking and younger actors are been said to be worried they'll be written off the show in order to keep the more established stars. Last year, the show's new boss warned the multiple characters will face the boot as she opened up about several 'unexpected exits' in 2025. Other actors have reportedly vented their fury on a WhatsApp group over fears they could be next. A source said: 'There's a WhatsApp group which has been pinging with messages about concerns of where the axe will fall next.' 'It's a tough time on the soap and it's filtering down. There is a feeling more people will be cut to save money and to keep the best-paid stars like Bill Roache and Jack P Shepherd on board.'
Metro
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Why is Eastenders not on BBC iPlayer? Reason Monday's episode is ‘missing'
A new era dawns on Walford as Ben Wadey takes over as EastEnders boss from this week, and in order to mark the occasion, a mysterious and intriguing offering of the BBC One soap lined up. 'Next week marks the start of something big in Walford that we hope will get everyone talking, and it's only just the beginning,' said Executive Producer Ben on Friday, teasing what's to come. 'We've got twists, shocks, and plenty of drama lined up for a summer you don't want to miss.' The excitement is real… but if you've tried to tune in already, you'll have noticed that it's nowhere to be seen. With 'something big' on the horizon to kick things off the new chapter, Monday's (June 16) edition of the long-running serial will be withheld from BBC iPlayer until after it's broadcast on BBC One at 7:30pm. EastEnders, as audiences know, traditionally drops daily episodes on BBC iPlayer from 6am, over 12 hours before they transmit on telly. But this service will not be available to fans on Monday, who will instead have to wait until the evening to get their daily Walford fix. Do you normally watch EastEnders early on iPlayer? Yes - I like my early morning visits to Walford No - my daily Albert Square fix is better suited to evenings Monday's episode will pick up following Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie's (Shane Richie) special wedding day and Jean (Gillian Wright) is yet again on the warpath, making it her mission to sabotage Harvey (Ross Boatman) and Kathy's (Gillian Taylforth) new business venture. Alfie does his best to stop her interference but he's soon distracted by a phone call from Stacey (Lacey Turner). Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! Joel Marshall (Max Murray), meanwhile, is arrested after he assaults a Tube passenger, much to the horror of Tommy (Sonny Kendall). Over the weekend, the BBC soap has posted a number of cryptic clues, seeming to suggest that a return could be on the cards. The first of these videos showed a door opening onto Albert Square, captioned: 'Knock knock, who's there?' Further videos followed the apparent point of view of the returnee, with the camera briefly flickering to black at occasions to indicate blinking. But who could it be? More Trending The offering in question will be the first tribute to Ben Wadey, who takes over from Chris Clenshaw. Under Chris' reign, EastEnders won a string of awards – including a whopping eight at the Soap Awards last month – and received acclaim on a regular basis. EastEnders continues Monday June 16 at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. View More » This article was originally published on 13 June 2025. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: BBC drops brand new season of The Traitors and you can binge all 12 episodes MORE: BBC star reveals how 'difficult' Father's Day announcement was after devastating loss MORE: True story behind BBC crime drama that sent fans 'down a rabbit hole'
Metro
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
EastEnders pulled from BBC iPlayer on Monday as new boss issues statement
A new era dawns on Walford as Ben Wadey takes over as EastEnders boss from next week, and in order to mark the occasion, a mysterious and intriguing offering of the BBC One soap lined up. With 'something big' on the horizon to kick things off the new chapter, Monday's (June 16) edition of the long-running serial will be withheld from BBC iPlayer until after it's broadcast on BBC One at 7:30pm. EastEnders, as audiences know, traditionally drops daily episodes on BBC iPlayer from 6am, over 12 hours before they transmit on telly. But this service will not be available to fans on Monday, who will instead have to wait until the evening to get their daily Walford fix. 'Next week marks the start of something big in Walford that we hope will get everyone talking, and it's only just the beginning,' said Executive Producer Ben, teasing what's to come. 'We've got twists, shocks, and plenty of drama lined up for a summer you don't want to miss.' The excitement is real. Monday's episode will pick up following Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie's (Shane Richie) special wedding day and Jean (Gillian Wright) is yet again on the warpath, making it her mission to sabotage Harvey (Ross Boatman) and Kathy's (Gillian Taylforth) new business venture. Alfie does his best to stop her interference but he's soon distracted by a phone call from Stacey (Lacey Turner). Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! Joel Marshall (Max Murray), meanwhile, is arrested after he assaults a Tube passenger, much to the horror of Tommy (Sonny Kendall). More Trending The offering in question will be the first tribute to Ben Wadey, who takes over from Chris Clenshaw. Under Chris' reign, EastEnders won a string of awards – including a whopping eight at the Soap Awards last month – and received acclaim on a regular basis. View More » EastEnders continues Monday June 16 at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: The Race Across The World victors aren't too posh to win MORE: Wynne Evans shares full apology video which he claims BBC 'cut short' MORE: All BBC Casualty spoilers for this week as legend debates exit
Scottish Sun
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders actress Alice Haig reveals exactly what the old Vicki Fowler star said to her after she took over her role
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS actress Alice Haig revealed exactly what her predecessor as Vicki Fowler said to her after taking on the role. Alice, 40, assumed the role of returning character Vicki earlier this year. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Alice Haig began playing EastEnders' Vicki Fowler earlier this year Credit: BBC 4 The actress spoke to The Sun at this year's British Soap Awards Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 4 Previous Vicki actress Scarlett Alice Johnson reached out to Alice Credit: BBC She took over from previous star Scarlett Alice Johnson, who played the part over 20 years ago. Speaking to The Sun at the British Soap Awards, Alice confirmed her predecessor had reached out. She told us: "Scarlett sent me a beautiful email wishing me luck and being incredibly kind. "It was a lovely thing to get. She said it's great fun playing Vicki Fowler and I couldn't agree more." The Sun previously told how Scarlett turned down the chance to reprise her role as Vicki. Bosses of EastEnders had hoped to win Scarlett back after her portrayal of Vicki developed a cult following online - two decades after her last appearance. The actress originally took on the role in 2003 but left once again just a little over a year later and hasn't been seen since. A spokesperson for Scarlett told The Sun: 'Scarlett was approached, and was flattered to be asked to return, but the timing wasn't right for her to step back into the role. "She wishes Alice Haig and the show all the very best'. Meanwhile, Alice also told us at the Soap Awards: "In all honesty, I think in soap world we suspend our disbelief. We're changing actors. EastEnders' original Vicki Fowler actress Scarlett Alice Johnson TURNED DOWN epic soap comeback for 40th anniversary - as role is recast "Once you're bedded in for a bit, you are the character and you do what you do. "I think what I'm really interested in is trying to find flavours of Michelle - her mum. "As opposed to trying to copy Scarlett, who was fantastic and her own person. "It's much better to be who you are and to try and play it as truthfully as you can, for you." Soap characters who've been recast Soap operas are staple viewing for many people, but even some of the most famous characters have been played by different actors. Here are some examples from over the years. Coronation Street Tracy Barlow : Kate Ford took on the role of Corrie legend Tracy Barlow in 2002. Before Kate, three other actresses had played Tracy - most notably Dawn Acton from 1988 to 1999. : Kate Ford took on the role of Corrie legend Tracy Barlow in 2002. Before Kate, three other actresses had played Tracy - most notably Dawn Acton from 1988 to 1999. Nick Tilsley: Ben Price has been playing Gail's oldest child in 2009, but the former Footballers' Wives star is the third actor to take on the part. Ben Price has been playing Gail's oldest child in 2009, but the former Footballers' Wives star is the third actor to take on the part. Sarah Platt: Although Tina O'Brien debuted as Sarah Platt in 1999, she is the third actress who has played the iconic role of Sarah Platt. Although Tina O'Brien debuted as Sarah Platt in 1999, she is the third actress who has played the iconic role of Sarah Platt. David Platt: Completing the line-up of Gail's children, David was initially played by Thomas Ormson for a decade before Jack P. Shepherd took over. Completing the line-up of Gail's children, David was initially played by Thomas Ormson for a decade before Jack P. Shepherd took over. Daniel Osbourne: For almost a decade, the role of Ken Barlow's son Daniel has been portrayed by actor Rob Mallard. Before Rob joined, two other actors had previously played Daniel. For almost a decade, the role of Ken Barlow's son Daniel has been portrayed by actor Rob Mallard. Before Rob joined, two other actors had previously played Daniel. Bethany Platt: Fans know Lucy Fallon as Bethany nowadays but before her, three other actresses had stepped into the character's shoes. Fans know Lucy Fallon as Bethany nowadays but before her, three other actresses had stepped into the character's shoes. Kirk Sutherland: Before Andy Whyment took on the role of Kirk, he played by an uncredited actor in his very first appearance. Before Andy Whyment took on the role of Kirk, he played by an uncredited actor in his very first appearance. Todd Grimshaw: Gareth Pierce stepped into the role of Todd back in 2020, becoming the second performer to play this part. Gareth Pierce stepped into the role of Todd back in 2020, becoming the second performer to play this part. Summer Spellman: Harriet Bibby became the second actress to play Summer, taking over the role from Matilda Freeman in 2020. Harriet Bibby became the second actress to play Summer, taking over the role from Matilda Freeman in 2020. Ryan Connor: Ryan Prescott currently plays the long-running character, but Ben Thompson and Sol Heras had earlier portrayed the role. EastEnders Martin Fowler: Although Martin was the first baby born on-screen in EastEnders, he hasn't always been played by the same person. His current portrayer, James Bye, is the third actor to star as the character. Although Martin was the first baby born on-screen in EastEnders, he hasn't always been played by the same person. His current portrayer, James Bye, is the third actor to star as the character. Peter Beale: Seven actors have portrayed Ian Beale's elder son, with the current actor, Thomas Law, in his second stint as the character. Seven actors have portrayed Ian Beale's elder son, with the current actor, Thomas Law, in his second stint as the character. Ben Mitchell: Ben has been played by a total of six actors - with Max Bowden bowing out of the role in March 2024. Ben has been played by a total of six actors - with Max Bowden bowing out of the role in March 2024. Bobby Beale: Before Clay Milner Russell, Ian's younger son had been played by four other actors. Before Clay Milner Russell, Ian's younger son had been played by four other actors. Freddie Slater : Bobby's best mate, Freddie Slater, had been previously played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby before Bobby Brazier took over in 2022. : Bobby's best mate, Freddie Slater, had been previously played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby before Bobby Brazier took over in 2022. Chelsea Fox: Former Coronation Street actress Zaraah Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea in 2020. The character had been first played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010. Former Coronation Street actress Zaraah Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea in 2020. The character had been first played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010. Lauren Branning: Jacqueline Jossa took on the role of Lauren in 2010, succeeding Madeline Duggan who'd played her from 2006 to 2010. Jacqueline Jossa took on the role of Lauren in 2010, succeeding Madeline Duggan who'd played her from 2006 to 2010. Johnny Carter: Johnny has been played by three actors since debuting in 2013 - most recently, Charlie Suff has taken on the role. Acting appears to run in Alice's family, as the new star has a famous film star dad. Upon Vicki's return to Albert Square, she was joined by new partner Ross and his teenage son Joel. Viewers discovered she had broken up with long-term love Spencer Moon off-screen. EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
The Irish Sun
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders actress Alice Haig reveals exactly what the old Vicki Fowler star said to her after she took over her role
EASTENDERS actress Alice Haig revealed exactly what her predecessor as Vicki Fowler said to her after taking on the role. Alice, 40, 4 Alice Haig began playing EastEnders' Vicki Fowler earlier this year Credit: BBC 4 The actress spoke to The Sun at this year's British Soap Awards Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 4 Previous Vicki actress Scarlett Alice Johnson reached out to Alice Credit: BBC She took over from previous star Scarlett Alice Johnson, who played the part over 20 years ago. Speaking to The Sun at the British Soap Awards, Alice confirmed her predecessor had reached out. She told us: "Scarlett sent me a beautiful email wishing me luck and being incredibly kind. "It was a lovely thing to get. She said it's great fun playing Vicki Fowler and I couldn't agree more." Read more on EastEnders The Sun previously told how Scarlett Bosses of EastEnders had hoped to win Scarlett back after her portrayal of Vicki developed a cult following online - two decades after her last appearance. The actress A spokesperson for Scarlett told The Sun: 'Scarlett was approached, and was flattered to be asked to return, but the timing wasn't right for her to step back into the role. Most read in Soaps "She wishes Alice Haig and the show all the very best'. Meanwhile, Alice also told us at the Soap Awards: "In all honesty, I think in soap world we suspend our disbelief. We're changing actors. EastEnders' original Vicki Fowler actress Scarlett Alice Johnson TURNED DOWN epic soap comeback for 40th anniversary - as role is recast "Once you're bedded in for a bit, you are the character and you do what you do. "I think what I'm really interested in is trying to find flavours of Michelle - her mum. "As opposed to trying to copy Scarlett, who was fantastic and her own person. "It's much better to be who you are and to try and play it as truthfully as you can, for you." Soap characters who've been recast Soap operas are staple viewing for many people, but even some of the most famous characters have been played by different actors. Here are some examples from over the years. Coronation Street Tracy Barlow : Kate Ford took on the role of Corrie legend Tracy Barlow in 2002. Before Kate, three other actresses had played Tracy - most notably Dawn Acton from 1988 to 1999. Nick Tilsley: Ben Price has been playing Gail's oldest child in 2009, but the former Footballers' Wives star is the third actor to take on the part. Sarah Platt: Although Tina O'Brien debuted as Sarah Platt in 1999, she is the third actress who has played the iconic role of Sarah Platt. David Platt: Completing the line-up of Gail's children, David was initially played by Thomas Ormson for a decade before Jack P. Shepherd took over. Daniel Osbourne: For almost a decade, the role of Ken Barlow's son Daniel has been portrayed by actor Rob Mallard. Before Rob joined, two other actors had previously played Daniel. Bethany Platt: Fans know Lucy Fallon as Bethany nowadays but before her, three other actresses had stepped into the character's shoes. Kirk Sutherland: Before Andy Whyment took on the role of Kirk, he played by an uncredited actor in his very first appearance. Todd Grimshaw: Gareth Pierce stepped into the role of Todd back in 2020, becoming the second performer to play this part. Summer Spellman: Harriet Bibby became the second actress to play Summer, taking over the role from Matilda Freeman in 2020. Ryan Connor: Ryan Prescott currently plays the long-running character, but Ben Thompson and Sol Heras had earlier portrayed the role. EastEnders Martin Fowler: Although Martin was the first baby born on-screen in EastEnders, he hasn't always been played by the same person. His current portrayer, James Bye, is the third actor to star as the character. Peter Beale: Seven actors have portrayed Ian Beale's elder son, with the current actor, Thomas Law, in his second stint as the character. Ben Mitchell: Ben has been played by a total of six actors - with Max Bowden bowing out of the role in March 2024. Bobby Beale: Before Clay Milner Russell, Ian's younger son had been played by four other actors. Freddie Slater : Bobby's best mate, Freddie Slater, had been previously played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby before Bobby Brazier took over in 2022. Chelsea Fox: Former Coronation Street actress Zaraah Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea in 2020. The character had been first played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010. Lauren Branning: Jacqueline Jossa took on the role of Lauren in 2010, succeeding Madeline Duggan who'd played her from 2006 to 2010. Johnny Carter: Johnny has been played by three actors since debuting in 2013 - most recently, Charlie Suff has taken on the role. Acting appears to run in Alice's family, as the new star Upon Vicki's return to Albert Square, she was Viewers discovered she EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer. 4 Vicki has a new partner, Ross Marshall Credit: BBC
