ITV has confirmed that performers on both Coronation Street and Emmerdale will receive fewer guaranteed episode appearances following the broadcaster's decision to reduce annual output for its flagship soaps.
The changes come after both programmes shifted to a new nightly broadcast schedule earlier this year, cutting one episode per week from each show.
Trade union Equity has stepped in to assist affected cast members navigate the contractual alterations.
In a statement, the union said it was "supporting members across continuing dramas at ITV in relation to decisions made regarding contractual terms."
Coronation Street and Emmerdale bosses prompt 'uproar' as screen time slashed for ITV soap stars
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Coronation Street employs around 80 performers while Emmerdale has approximately 60 on its books.
The revised terms are expected to take effect from August, though Radio Times has reported that many actors regularly exceed their minimum guaranteed appearances, meaning the financial impact may vary considerably between individuals.
A source told The Sun: "It's caused uproar. There was no consultation. They effectively told the stars to 'take it or leave it.'"
The schedule overhaul that prompted these contractual revisions was introduced in January, when ITV launched what it termed a "soaps power hour" format.
In a change implemented this year, Emmerdale broadcasts for half an hour at 8pm each weeknight, followed immediately by Coronation Street at 8:30pm
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Under the new arrangement, Emmerdale broadcasts for half an hour at 8pm each weeknight, followed immediately by Coronation Street at 8:30pm.
This restructuring means 104 fewer episodes will be produced annually across both programmes.
The changes were unveiled following a landmark crossover event dubbed Corriedale, which brought characters from Weatherfield and the Yorkshire Dales together in a dramatic multi-vehicle collision storyline.
ITV has indicated that the reduced episode count reflects audience research conducted throughout 2024, which found that shorter instalments attracted stronger viewing figures.
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The broadcaster has also begun permitting talent to pursue external projects, with Emmerdale's Bradley Riches set to appear in pantomime later this year.
An ITV spokesperson told GB News: "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."
Kevin Lygo, ITV's Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, defended the restructuring as a response to evolving viewer behaviour.
He explained: "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.
"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.
A recent restructuring of ITV soaps means 104 fewer episodes will be produced annually across both programmes
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"Research insights also show us that soap viewers are increasingly looking to the soaps for their pacey storytelling.
"Streaming-friendly, 30 minute episodes better provide the opportunity to meet viewer expectations for storyline pace, pay-off and resolution."
The Sun on Sunday reported that Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has also been called upon to assist cast members with the process.
Those with the longest service records may find themselves shielded from the cuts, as performers on older-style contracts could retain more favourable terms.