Coronation Street to cut eight more characters

Coronation Street is to axe a further eight characters, according to press reports.

Dev Alahan, Shelley Unwin, Molly Hardcastle and Sam Kingston are now being written out.

It is reported that financial adviser Richard Hillman, plus taxi controller Eileen Grimshaw and her sons Jason and Todd will also leave the ITV soap.

Last week it was announced Dr Ramsden and his wife Charlie are leaving at easter, along with Bobbi Lewis.

The move is part of a shake-up of the ITV soap by new drama controller Carolyn Reynolds.

She is planning to introduce a host of new characters as part of the ratings war with EastEnders.

It has not been decided how the axed characters will leave the street.