Coronation Street stars are said to be "panicking” after a series of cuts have been introduced to one of TV’s longest-running soaps, reports have suggested.

Just some of the changes claimed to have been made by ITV bosses include “cutting down on group scenes” which are regularly filmed in the Rovers Return, as part of a "more minimal approach".

But sources have told The Mirror this has created a “backlash” among some of the Corrie cast as many are “paid by the scene”.

One insider told the publisher: “The bosses have decided we will take a far more minimal approach to storylines going forward, and are cutting the number of actors who appear in them. As large numbers of the cast are paid by scene, that means paying fewer actors to be on set.

Coronation Street cast 'panicking' over 'cuts' to ITV soap

“The changes haven’t gone down well with the cast. Many of them are panicking about what these cuts mean for their futures. The Corrie cast is absolutely massive – it has well over 50 cast members in total – and some of them haven’t filmed for weeks, so they are starting to get really worried about the axe falling on them before long. There is currently a real feeling of disquiet behind the scenes and people are openly sharing their concerns.”

As well as this, there are also reports of “slashing the number of extras” and "back-to-back filming".

A second source commented: “In the past, actors would come in for short periods over a number of days. But now they are in from 7am until late, filming back-to-back scenes, and could be standing in when in the past extras might have been used. But then they might be off set for ages. The bosses are clearly trying to cut down on additional costs that are deemed surplus to requirements, which makes a lot of sense when you look at the pressures being felt all across the industry. But it has been quite unsettling for the cast and crew, and it feels like a very uncertain time.”

Insiders have said these reported changes are a more “streamlined approach” instead of cutting the number of episodes per week.

They added: “The more these costs are reduced, the more likely it is that we can meet them with our in-house team, whereas previously the show has leaned heavily on freelance help, which is much more expensive.”

'Corrie can no longer be the titan it used to be – it must adapt'

The insider continued: “Corrie is still an incredibly well-loved TV show, and its characters, wit and warmth have stood the test of time. But the reality is that the kind of viewing figures it achieved at its peak are no longer possible in today’s market. This is the challenge that all of the soaps now face. Where once there were four channels there are now 4,000, and Corrie can no longer be the titan it used to be – it must adapt. This is what the bosses are trying to do. They want to cut costs as much as they can, without tearing apart the fabric of the show. And they are urging scriptwriters to come up with hard-hitting storylines which do not need scores of actors to have an impact.”

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Responding to the reports, a Corrie spokesman told The Mirror: “We do not comment on production schedules or costs.”

Additionally, former Emmerdale producer Kate Brooks was recently appointed as the new producer for the soap.

Previously speaking about the announcement, Kate explained: “Corrie has lit up my living room since I was a kid, so to be asked to produce a show I've revered for such a long time is the ultimate 'pinch me' moment.

"I've adored the show from across the Pennines and have consistently been in awe of the talent on display, both on and off the screen. It truly is a special show and I endeavour to take great care to ensure that it continues to thrive as we head into the next chapter. Coronation Street has, and always will be, part of my DNA, and I can't wait to get stuck in.”