Showdown planned with Street bosses
CORRIE stars want bosses to let them appear in pantos after hearing that ex-cast members can rake in £100,000.
EastEnders actors are allowed to take on the roles while remaining in the BBC soap.
But ITV contracts restrict work away from Weatherfield for Street stars.
They have to quit the cobbles before they can cash in on pantos.
Last year former Coronation Street actors appeared in 25 pantos in theatres from Dartford to King’s Lynn raking in up to £100,000.
Sources said Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully, Katie McGlynn (Sinead Tinker) and Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster) are among the soap’s big names eager to make their panto debuts.
A soap insider said: “There is a bit of a backlash from some of the show’s stars over the panto ban. A few of them are keen to sign up for appearances but obviously they are under strict rules. There is also the argument of why EastEnders actors are allowed to do panto.’’ Some cast members are planning a showdown with ITV bosses in a bid to lift the panto ruling. Most soap actors now rely on regular screen appearances to top up wages. The source explained: “Some newer cast members are not on the lucrative contracts that ensure they get good money whether or not they are appearing regularly.” Another source said: “Corrie is a full-time job for the cast. However, we consider other TV and radio opportunities for the actors, such as Dancing On Ice and I’m A Celebrity, to ensure everyone has the chance to do something different.” A Corrie spokesman declined to comment last night.