Coronation Street bosses break bank to lock down two soap icons after major fan backlash and falling viewer figures

CORONATION Street bosses have locked down two cobbles icons with new deals amid a growing fan backlash.

Street stalwarts Sally Dynevor, 60 and Michael Le Vell, 59, have both put pen to paper on new deals to keep them around for at least another year.

ITV

Michael Le Vell and Sally Dynevor (pictured with Helen Worth) have signed new Coronation Street deals in news that will delight fans[/caption]

Rex

Michael has played Kevin Webster for 41 years, having made his debut in 1983, while Sally has played her character for 38 years.

A source said: “Sally and Mike are two of Corrie’s most beloved stars.

“Bosses were desperate to keep them and they were more than happy to sign. They both love the show and are excited about what’s to come.”

The insider added: “There are big things planned for Sally and Kevin this year.”

It comes after The Sun exclusively revealed how bosses had persuaded Bill Roache to sign a new record breaking contract for his 64th year on the cobbles.

However there will also be a number of exits this year.

Simon Barlow star Alex Bain and Beth Tinker actress Lisa George will both leave in high profile storylines in the summer.

And actor Peter Ash is set to leave when his character Paul Foreman loses his battle with motor neurone disease (MND).

However the news of Sally and Michael’s deals will come as a relief to fans who have been hitting out at the soap.

One fan blasted: “It’s become an absolute chore to watch. There’s about 15 characters that should be axed and you wouldn’t miss them.

“The stories are farcical and have no basis in any sort of reality and the acting is certainly questionable with many of the so-called ‘actors’.”

In reply, another fan listed a whole host of characters who they wouldn’t miss and added: “That’s just the start. The cast seems large… some characters you simply don’t see for months.

“I know that they can’t all be involved in a major storyline at any one time.. but for some go disappear for ages is weird.”

A fellow soap fan commented: “It’s the worst it’s been, to the point where I don’t watch for weeks on end.”

Meanwhile another moaned: “Corrie is definitely in the worst state it’s ever been in. The show needs to have a big clear out of deadwood.”