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févrierCorrie's 'Bill Roache and Michael Le Vell bag big-money new deals'
's Bill Roache and Michael Le Vell have reportedly landed 'big-money' deals to keep them on the soap.
Veteran actor Bill, 89, has played Ken Barlow since the very first episode in 1960, while Michael, 57, has portrayed Kevin Webster since 1983.
And in news that will no doubt delight soap fans, the stars are said to have signed a new contract to keep them in Weatherfield for at least another year, with a source stating: 'The show wouldn't be the same without them. When you loved this article and you would want to receive more info with regards to สล็อตเว็บตรง i implore you to visit the web site. '
Here to stay: Coronation Street's Bill Roache and Michael Le Vell have reportedly landed 'big-money' deals to keep them on the ITV soap
An insider told : 'They're both hugely popular with fans so bosses were keen to sign them up for another year on the soap.
'The fact they've both taken the big-money deal is a huge relief to everyone - the show wouldn't be the same without them.'
The publication suggests that show bosses are keen to keep the soap legends on the show following the news that after 17 years of playing Michael's on-screen daughter Sophie Webster.
MailOnline have contacted Coronation Street representatives for comment.
Staying put: Veteran actor Bill, 89, has played Ken Barlow since the very first episode in 1960, while Michael, 57, has portrayed Kevin Webster since 1983
Bill holds the Guinness World Record for the longest ever stint on a continuous drama, having first set foot on the cobbles 62 years ago.
He previously told how he wants to say on the soap as long as possible, and insisted at its 60th anniversary: 'While I can do it and they want me, I will be there.
'Retirement is not on the radar at all. I have no plans for that.
'I don't even like to think about how they'd write Ken out if I did leave. Because hopefully that is never going to happen.'
Veteran: Bill holds the Guinness World Record for the longest ever stint on a continuous drama, having first set foot on the cobbles 62 years ago (pictured in 1960)
Long term: Meanwhile, Michael has been a staple on the soap for almost 40 years, with his character embroiled in several huge storylines including his on-off relationship with wife Sally (pictured in 1991)
Meanwhile, Michael has been a staple on the soap for almost 40 years, with his character embroiled in several huge storylines including his on-off relationship with wife Sally, affairs with Natalie Horrocks and Molly Dobbs and his son Jack having his leg amputated after contracting sepsis.
It comes after EastEnders fans were left fearing ITV's schedule shake-up will 'kill off' the iconic soap after it was announced and are set to change their timeslots in March.
The broadcaster has confirmed both shows will change time slots - putting them in direct competition with EastEnders - as ITV expand their news programme for an hour between 6:30pm and 7:30pm.
Change: Coronation Street and Emmerdale are set to change their timeslots in March in one of ITV's biggest schedule shakeups for years
Competition: The change will put ITV's soaps in direct competition with the BBC's EastEnders
Coronation Street will change to three hour-long episodes a week airing at 8pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while Emmerdale will now air at 7:30pm directly following the news.
The announcement left fans reeling, debating whether the BBC soap, which started in 1985, will be axed and comparing the soap to Channel 4's Brookside, which was axed following a decline in viewership in 2003.
ITV announced the news on Monday with schedule changes sent out from both of the soaps official Twitter accounts.
New times: ITV announced the news on Monday with schedule changes sent out from both of the soaps official Twitter accounts
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