Coronation Street’s Tina O’Brien signs big money deal to keep her on the soap for another year
TINA O'Brien has signed a big money deal to remain on Coronation Street for another year.
The actress - who plays Sarah Platt in the ITV soap - is seen as a a central figure on the soap and bosses were keen to ensure she sticks around for the 60th anniversary, The Sun Online can exclusively reveal.
A source said: "Tina's a definitely favourite for viewers and bosses have big plans for her."
Tina's on-screen daughter Lucy Fallon will soon depart the cobbles herself leaving the Platts behind for a life outside of Weatherfield.
The source added: "It is a shame that Lucy is breaking up the family but she feels it is time to move on. Tina, however, is going nowhere.
"The executives are well-aware that they need some glamour in the show and Tina was offered a new deal at the earliest opportunity."
Popular Lucy has picked up a string of awards for her harrowing portrayal of sexual abuse survivor Bethany.
Since joining in 2015, she has taken the soap world by a storm and has won a number of prestigious accolades including Best Actress at the British Soap Awards.
And ‘mum’ Tina – who came back into the show at the same time as Lucy – has just put pen-to-paper on another year’s contract to play Sarah.
A rule that Corrie stars cannot be paid to endorse products has long been a source of frustration amongst the cast.
MOST READ IN TV & SHOWBIZ
The actors are banned from taking ad work away from the soap that could massively boost their earnings.
They point out the same regulations do not apply to ITV presenters like Ant and Dec and Holly Willoughby rake in a fortune promoting everything from cars to diet drinks and cosmetics.
The rule for has already seen stars like Michelle Keegan and Ryan Thomas quit the soap to increase their earning potential.
Katie McGlynn and Faye Brookes also departed the soap earlier this year while Kym Marsh has finished filming.