Coronation Street stars unhappy after more product placement set to appear

Coronation Street fans who didn’t approve of the soaps recent product placement deal may have more cause for concern.

According to the Sun, a showbiz agent has said we could be about to see more familiar shopfronts on the expanded Corrie set. The paper also says that many actors are unhappy with the amount of tie-in promos taking place, implying some of its stars may end up leaving to escape the implemented deals, so they can expand their own careers and money earning potential.

And with Nick Tilsley having recently left the famous cobbled street, his property, Nick’s Bistro, is almost certainly to be taken over and renamed – but many are worried over what it’ll become.

The agent said: ‘People are wondering whether it could be a Nando’s or a Pizza Express given that ITV are happy to take cash from the Co-op and Costa to plug their products.

‘People are asking where this commercialism of Corrie will end? Perhaps the Rovers should be taken over by Wetherspoon’s!’

Despite the speculation over which high street brand will appear next, it’s been revealed that actors in the northern soap are actually barred from doing any out-of-hours work with other brands, thus restricting their earning potential.

While unable to accept other brand or ad work when under contract, it’s led some stars like Michelle Keegan to leave the soap to pursue other things without restriction. They are, however, permitted to partake in reality shows like I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Dancing on Ice, and make appearances for shop openings and the like.

The agent, who works closely with actors on the programme, expressed the mood of the cast: ‘There is real anger over this commercial tie-in. ITV is happy to take millions from commercial firms for product placement and allow the cast to stand around with Costa cups and lug carrier bags around but won’t allow the cast to promote products away from the set.

‘That is just double standards. Aside from that the product placement is ridiculous. This no joke. Once you have one or two brands in then it is opening the door for more.’

Last month fans learned that the legendary soap has struck a deal with Co-Op and Costa – two new shops to feature with a line of on-screen promo products – which answered people’s confusion why the branded coffee cups began popping up in various episodes.

Read more:

Fans unhappy over Emmerdale showing graphic acid attack scene
Jack Whitehall confirms he’s leaving A League of Their Own
Kylie Jenner’s ex-boyfriend wants a paternity test