CORONATION Street actor Andy Whyment has hit back at the show’s reported cash crisis with a very telling message.
The star, who has played the role of Kirk Sutherland, on the show for 25 years has spoken out about the current state of the ITV soap amid its recent cast exodus and alleged difficulties backstage.
Corrie has been rocked by a number of stars either having been axed or leaving the show as it deals with financial difficulties amid falling ratings and high production costs.
However, Andy has hid his say to say he is “extremely happy” despite the recent reports.
Taking to his Instagram page, he became one of the first cast members to directly address the recent changes at the programme.
Andy said: “I’d just like to say that the show is not on its knees.”
He then went on to suggest he would be firmly remaining on the cobbles as he added: “I for at least one cast member am extremely happy and feel very grateful to still be working on Coronation Street.”
His post sparked an influx of responses from his celebrity co-stars with Jane Danson, who plays Leanne Battersby, on the show suggesting that despite “bad times”, the cast will continue to stick together.
Jane wrote underneath Andy’s post: “Amen to that, also we are a cast and crew who care and respect eachother deeply – through good times and bad. Through life and work. We are family.”
Sue Devaney, who has been axed from her role as Debbie Webster, also commented: “Well said our Andy! It’s an honour and a privilege to work with the best!”
Elsewhere, Eileen Grimshaw star Sue Cleaver, who recently confirmed she had opted to quit her role after 25 years, went on to say: “Corrie will always be my family!”
It comes after The Sun confirmed that both Jack P. Shepherd and Antony Cotton had survived the cast cull after both being locked down into contracts to see them through until close to the end of the year.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Corrie beauty Charlotte Jordan has quit the cobbles – the most recent in a string of blows to hit the ITV hit soap in the last month” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366783009112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]It is likely to be a sigh of relief for the soap’s top bosses who have been expecting even more stars to walk out the door amid the toughest period in the show’s 65-year history.
A show insider said of Jack: “Jack signed his most recent contract last year so will be around for some time.
“He is a fan favourite so they would be gutted if he goes and they will do what they can to keep him happy.
“Bosses are desperate to keep him as long as possible.”