Coronation Street stars panicking after new contract talks put on hold while filming suspended during coronavirus crisis

CORONATION Street stars are panicking after their contract negotiations were put on hold while filming of the ITV soap is suspended.

A number of favourites will see their deals expire in the next two months as the shooting of new episodes remains on hold amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

Some Coronation Street stars, including Samia Longchambon, have had their contract negotiations put on hold while filming is suspended

The top names include Samia Longchambon, 37, who plays Maria Connor, Sam Robertson (Adam Barlow), 34, and Charlie de Melo (Imran Habeeb), 28.

But while sources say “general conversations” about the future are still taking place, formal discussions over contract renewals have been put on hold.

One source said: “This is a very uncertain time — and that’s particularly true for those whose contracts are up for renewal.

“It was very unsettling for them to be sent home knowing the future isn’t decided.

Charlie de Melo and other cast members will see their contracts expire in the next two months

Sam Robertson, who plays Adam Barlow, will also be facing ‘uncertain times’ as his contract will soon be up for renewal

“The show’s bosses have done everything to reassure them, but until some sort of normality is resumed, negotiations won’t be completed.”

ITV chiefs last month said they were shutting down filming for the Weatherfield soap and Emmerdale.

Both are now airing just three times a week to ensure the episodes already recorded will last until early summer.

A spokesperson said last month: “We’ve been doing our best to carry on filming.

“However, the health of the actors, crew and their families is of paramount importance to us and we now feel that the time has come to stop filming.”

Fans were upset but praised ITV’s decision.

Last month, ITV bosses announced they were shutting down filming due to the coronavirus pandemic