Corrie stars fear for their future

'Coronation Street' stars are terrified they are going to be axed from the soap when the new producer arrives.

Former 'Dr Who' executive Phil Collinson - who famously got rid of Freema Agyeman as the Doctor's sidekick in 2007 - takes over next month, leaving some cast members fearing for their future.

One senior star said: "Everyone is worried about their jobs. I know I am. I'm just keeping my head down.

"But a new producer will always want to make a mark - bringing in new characters and getting rid of those they believe have gone stale."

Vulnerable characters are said to include Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden), Dev Alahan (Jimi Harkishin) Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) and Maria Connor (Samia Smith).

While Street legends such as Ken Barlow (William Roache) and Rita Sullivan (Barbara Knox) are safe, Collinson - who will replace Kim Crowther as producer - is keen to make his mark with some explosive storylines.

The source added: "We have had Corrie murderers Tricky Dicky and Tony Gordon but the new boss could kill off more characters than those two put together."