Coronation Street and Emmerdale stars 'prepare for pay cuts' as ITV ad revenue drops

A TV insider has claimed that ITV is set to slash pay for some stars after the channel reported a 42 percent drop in advert revenues in April

ITV stars are preparing themselves for pay cuts as the channel's advert revenue has dropped amid the coronavirus pandemic, reports claim.

Many shows and all soaps ceased filming in late March due to social distancing rules and lockdown measures making production impossible.

And now a TV insider has told that talent will be given a reduced pay when they return to work after ITV reported a 42 percent drop in advert revenues in April.

Apparently the channels biggest stars don't have to worry too much about their paycheck being slashed.

Big names such as Phillip Schofield,  Holly Willoughby, Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnely's pay packets are thought to go untouched due to their contracts.

The cuts are thought to be introduced in phases, according to The Sun, and stars unable to film shows - such as Emmerdale and Corrie - are thought to feel the affects first.

A source told the publication: “Well-known stars know they’ll be touched but there is some anger that it’s unlikely to affect the biggest names.”

One agent told the outlet that many stars on soaps are paid per episode and are anxious that their episode count will drop.

The publication added that younger stars - who act on the much-loved soaps - worry they will struggle to make ends meet.

Mirror Online have contacted a representative for ITV for comment.

It is not just pay cuts that is causing worry among ITV soap stars as actors are apparently concerned the producers' axe is hovering over them as the soaps deal with life post  coronavirus.

Bosses have been given the green light to resume making the ITV shows, which are currently rationing episodes.

But fears within the telly favourites' dressing rooms are growing that cuts will be made, according to reports.

Earlier this weekend a celebrity agent told  The Sun  that the cast are well aware big changes could be ahead once the cameras start rolling again.

The showbiz source said: “I’ve had several people on from Emmerdale – famous names who are very worried.

“These are people who’ve been in the show for years and they were apprehensive for the future. Inevitably, the cast call will be far lower for each scene meaning people will be left at home and not getting paid.

“They also think that the longer this goes on the more ITV will realise they don’t need so many people on the cast so when contracts come up for renewal, some people just won’t have theirs renewed.

“I’ve had two big name stars on asking for work – anything they said. Voiceovers, reality TV, dong collabs on  Instagram.

"I know the Corrie cast have the same fears, too.”

Actors on Emmerdale and  Coronation Street  are said to be paid between £400 and £2,000 an episode.

Emmerdale airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7pm on ITV, followed by Coronation Street in the same days at 7:30pm.