ITV Coronation Street dealt fresh blow as soap boss QUITS to join rival show amid mass cast exodus
Coronation Street’s Head of Production Lee Rayner has announced he is leaving the ITV soap after more than a decade to join rival Channel 4 series Hollyoaks.
Rayner has been with Coronation Street since 2011 and will take over from Colette Chard as Head of Production at Hollyoaks.
Chard is reportedly moving to a children’s drama at the same production company, Lime Pictures.
Rayner’s departure comes amid a wave of high-profile exits from the long-running soap which have left fans devastated.
Speaking about his new role at Hollyoaks, Rayner said: “I am thrilled to be embarking on a new adventure at Lime Pictures as head of production for Hollyoaks and helping to deliver such an engaging high-end drama.”
John Whittle, Managing Director of Lime Pictures welcomed Rayner and expressed: “We are delighted that Lee is coming to us from a much-loved programme, as well-oiled as Coronation Street, at delivering ambitious drama with a tightly moving schedule.”
Coronation Street has recently seen several high-profile departures, including Sue Cleaver, who played Eileen Grimshaw for 25 years, and Colson Smith, who portrayed Craig Tinker for 14 years.
Other recent exits include Charlotte Jordan, Luca Toolan, Sue Devaney, and Shelley King.
Sources have suggested financial pressures are behind the changes, with one insider telling The Sun: “Corrie is on its knees financially and bosses are being forced to make hard decisions.”
It has also been reported that a WhatsApp group among cast members has been “pinging with messages about concerns of where the axe will fall next.”
Despite the concerns, Coronation Street’s new producer Kate Brooks had previously warned of upcoming changes, telling The Sun: “There are a few exits this year, and some unexpected ones that will send shockwaves.”
Coronation Street icon Andy Whyment, who has played Kirk Sutherland for 25 years, broke his silence over the claims of financial worry at the soap.
Taking to his Instagram page to hit back at the claims, he directly addressed the recent changes to the programme.
He said: “I’d just like to say that the show is not on its knees. I for at least one cast member am extremely happy and feel very grateful to still be working on Coronation Street.”
Jane Danson, who plays Leanne Battersby, backed up his sentiment and wrote underneath his post: “Amen to that.
“Also we are a cast and crew who care and respect each other deeply – through good times and bad. Through life and work. We are family.” (sic)
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The latest star to be announced as leaving the soap is Max Turner actor Paddy Beaver, who has reportedly already filmed his final scenes.
Beaver told The Mirror: “After much reflection and in an incredibly difficult decision, I have chosen to step away from Max, and Coronation Street, to explore new opportunities.
“I have been surrounded by such kindness and support every step of the way.”