The cast and crew of 'Coronation Street' are reportedly furious at plans to add an extra episode a week.
The cast of Coronation Street
The long-running show recently announced it will air six nights a week from early next year but it seems the stars and behind-the-scenes employees aren't on board the new running order and are convinced they will be "worked to the bone" against their will to fill another 30-minute episode.
A source for the programme explained: "They believe many more cast will need to be hired to cope, if they don't then the existing cast are going to be worked to the bone to fill the extra half an hour, and it's the same with the crew. The cast fear that going to an extra episode will bore fans."
The change in running schedule has encouraged some of the younger members of the cast - who are believed to be on £40,000 a year - to ask for a payrise.
The insider added to The Sun newspaper: "Everyone thinks that the actors are on top dollar but that's not the case. Some are on big money but the salaries drop off really quickly.
"The six-days-a week run is now an opportunity for them to really boost their earnings with extra appearance fees.
"The kids coming in now are on a pittance compared with what the older cast members earn.
"They work really hard but compared to the older cast, their salaries are chalk and cheese.
"And a lot of the actors have been offered advertising work that they aren't allowed to do because they are in a soap."