ITV is facing backlash after it was reported that both Coronation Street and Emmerdale would be reducing screen time, and therefore pay, for some of its stars. The rumoured developments come after the schedules for both soaps were altered earlier this year.

A report from The Sun has claimed that actors from both soaps have become disgruntled following a cut in pay, with the article adding that trade union Equity is getting involved in the matter.

The report claims that some actors will lose around a sixth of their income, with the new arrangement seeing stars film fewer scenes across the year. In typical soap contracts, an actor is usually guaranteed a minimum amount of appearances.

In a statement that was issued to The Sun by Equity, the union said it was “supporting members across ­continuing dramas at ITV in relation to decisions made regarding contractual terms”.

According to the report, actors across both soaps were informed about the changes last week. Corrie employs roughly 80 actors, while Emmerdale has approximately 60, with the group reportedly being notified via email.

The reported changes are mooted to come into effect in August, with one source saying that the situation – which supposedly involved no “consultation” – has caused “uproar” among the cast for both soaps.

Digital Spy understands that any changes that have been implemented by ITV have been made in consideration of the recent schedule shake-up, which saw the weekly runtime for each soap reduced by 30 minutes.

“In line with ITV’s new scheduling pattern for the soaps introduced at the beginning of the year, we have revised the number of guaranteed episodes offered to the Coronation Street and Emmerdale actors,” the broadcaster told Digital Spy in a statement.

When the scheduling changes were announced in February 2025, Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, said that the alterations were “viewer-led” following an analysis of consuming patterns.

“The new commissioning pattern is viewer-led. We already give more choice than ever to viewers on how they watch us through ITVX and we want to present their favourite soap to them in the most digestible way,” he added.

“In a world where there is so much competition for viewers’ time and attention, and viewing habits continue to change, we believe this is the right amount of episodes that fans can fit into their viewing schedule, to keep up to date with the shows.”