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

The pair, thought to be on around £170,000 a year, are long-term fan favourites

CORRIE bosses have broken the bank to lock down two cobbles icons amid viewers’ claims the soap has nosedived.

Michael Le Vell, 59, and Sally Dynevor, 60, have signed big-money deals to keep them around for at least another year.

Bosses moved to tie down the stars after Corrie failed to make the Christmas Day TV top ten for the first time in decades.

Soap star Michael has played mechanic Kevin Webster for 41 years with his character married to Sally before their on-screen divorce.

Sally, now Sally Metcalfe after marrying Tim, has clocked up 38 years.

The pair, thought to be on around £170,000 a year, are long-term fan favourites.

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

“Bosses were desperate to keep them and they were happy to sign. They both love the show.”

Bill Roache, 91, who has played Ken Barlow since 1960, has also signed a new deal.

It comes amid a wave of forthcoming exits.

Alex Bain, 22, who plays Simon Barlow, and Lisa George, 51, who plays Beth Tinker, will leave in the summer.

Peter Ash, 38, will be off when his character Paul Foreman loses his motor neurone disease fight.

One fan blasted online: “About 15 characters should be axed and you wouldn’t miss them.

“The stories are farcical and the acting of many is certainly questionable.”

Another said: “Corrie is in the worst state it’s ever been in. It needs a clear out of dead wood.”

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.”