Coronation Street’s Daniel Brocklebank confirms he’s signed for another year as he denies crisis on the cobbles
CORONATION Street star Daniel Brocklebank insists he won't be leaving the soap anytime soon - after signing a new, year-long contract.
The actor, who plays Billy Mayhew, told The Sun Online at The British Soap Awards that he'll be sticking around for at least another 12 months.
It comes after a string of high-profile stars quit the cobbles after Iain MacLeod replaced boss Kate Oates.
Daniel said: "It's good, I genuinely love it there. I'm in my sixth year and I've got some wonderful friends.
"Whenever there's a new producer that comes in, there's always going to be a change. I'm sticking around. I've just signed up for another year."
Since January 23, seven stars have announced they’re to leave Corrie, including Lucy Fallon, Bhavna Limbachia, Kym Marsh, Tristan Gemmill and Faye Brookes.
He has borne the brunt of grumbling both on set and among fans.
Discontent behind the scenes has been gathering momentum for some time, driven largely by the big disparity among the actors’ pay packets.
While veterans such as William Roache (Ken Barlow) pocket £250,000 a year, newcomers are on £50,000, with much of their fee dependent on appearances, with payments per episode of between £500 and £1,000.
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Other big earners include Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) who earns around £150,000 and Michael Le Vell (Kevin Webster) on £170,000.
One source said: “The pay gaps have become an open secret and the newer names know they are working far longer hours for a fraction of the cash.
"It has sparked a lot of unhappiness.
“Lucy is just the latest to get fed up of seeing great opportunities go to waste because Corrie won’t let her take them on.
“She won’t be the last.”
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