The ITV soap is facing cutbacks that will reduce its weekly episodes by one starting next year.
Sally Dynevor – who has portrayed Sally Metcalfe on the ITV soap for nearly 40 years – has spoken out about the cast’s contract negotiations.
She revealed that even long-serving cast members like herself can be given just three months’ notice if they’re being written out.
With ITV’s ongoing financial struggles and the upcoming Emmerdale crossover—set to claim the life of a fan-favourite—it’s tense times in Weatherfield.
“I’m only ever signed for a year at a time – all of us are,” she explained.
“Every year I think, ‘This could be the one where they let me go.’ None of us are safe – there are always fresh faces and new stories to tell.”
When asked by hosts David Walliams and Matt Lucas about how the process works, she said: “It varies. For us older cast members – like me – we usually find out between November and January if we’re being invited back for another year.”
Pressed on what happens if she isn’t renewed, Sally admitted: “For me, my contract would run out at the end of January.”
“But I did step away once – I took time out to do a stage play. It was brilliant, I really enjoyed it. I was away for about six months or so.”
Meanwhile, Corrie and Emmerdale executive producer Iain MacLeod has confirmed that a much-loved character will be written out in a dramatic death storyline soon.
He revealed to MirrorOnline: “When you stage a big event like this, the soap gods always call for a sacrifice.
“It’s set to be dramatic — full of shock, heartache, and plenty of twists along the way.
“Quite often, the most powerful and memorable exits come when it’s a character the audience truly cares about.”
“There’s always that balance to consider — if a major character leaves, viewers will definitely care, but how will it impact the show’s ability to keep telling stories?”
At the same time, some familiar faces from Corrie’s past are gearing up for a comeback in Weatherfield.
Speaking to the same outlet, Iain confirmed a “few returns” are in the works, adding: “It’s all building towards this crossover episode we’ve planned for January. It’s going to get bigger and bigger, with everything coming to a huge climax.”
The special crossover between the soaps will air as a one-off next year and will usher in a brand-new broadcast schedule.
Both soaps will be cut down by one episode per week and shown in half-hour installments from Monday to Friday, airing in a single hour-long block between 8 and 9pm.
The shake-up follows a steep drop in TV ratings and a decline in advertising income.
- General Hospital’s Cameron Mathison Shares Behind-the-Scenes Christmas Movie Photos
- General Hospital Spoilers: Joss Struggles After Vaughn Vanishes – Will Someone Intervene in Time?
- General Hospital Spoilers: Trina Confronts Portia About Pregnancy Secret – Does Isaiah Overhear?
- General Hospital Spoilers: Is Britt Still Hurt Over Jason Picking Carly, or Is She Just Looking Out for Him?
- Two I’m A Celebrity contestants face major setback ahead of Sunday’s ITV finale
