[Scarlett.]

Katherine Kelly has reportedly landed an 18-month deal with Coronation Street.

The "unprecedented" contract comes at a time when the ITV soap is undergoing a cull under new producer Phil Collinson.

Stars including Steve Arnold, Julia Haworth, Vicky Binns and Steve Jackson are being axed as part of a shake-up. Yet Kelly, who plays Becky McDonald, has been given a "huge vote of confidence" by the ex-Doctor Who boss.

A source told the Daily Star Sunday: "Eighteen-month contracts are almost unprecedented at the moment so Katherine is over the moon. She can’t wait to start work with Phil and is looking forward to some great storylines."

Helen Flanagan, who plays Rosie Webster, has been handed a 12-month contract, while Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw, has also escaped the axe.

Digital Spy

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POPULAR Kym Marsh is being groomed as Corries BIGGEST star.

The beauty who plays {barmaid Michelle Connor and was nominated for Sexiest Female at last nights British Soap Awards signed a bumper two-year deal worth £300,000 last week. It comes as new executive producer Phil Collinson is AXING other Street actors.

A source said: Phils told Kym hes going to make her the biggest name on the Street.

In recent years its virtually unheard of to get a two-year deal on so much money.

But Kym is one star Phil is determined to keep. He thinks shes a great talent. Kym, 33, is said to be over the moon at his commitment to her.

However, cut-throat Collinson sacked Steven Arnold and Julia Haworth Ashley and Claire Peacock two weeks ago.

And last week Vicky Binns, who plays Molly Dobbs, and Steve Jackson, alias dustmen Trevor Dean, were binned.

[Lewis.]

Yey

[Smithy]

Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh) has also been given a new 24 month contract, with a pay hike, up to £300,000 for the whole period

[WOMBAI]

Michelle is ok but disappointed about Becky - another character that is very annoying!

[bbfan1991]

Originally Posted by WOMBAI

Michelle is ok but disappointed about Becky - another character that is very annoying!

Both are annoying.

[Callum]

Do they think that Becky is the most popular character?

[Scarlett.]

Nope they think Michelle is apparently O_O

I wonder if Phil has something planned for them?

[Lucy.]

Yay Becky, Eww Michelle.

[Scarlett.]

I hope Phil changes her character

[Smithy]

Why the Michelle hate??

She's a great character, and Kym is a brilliant actress

[Scarlett.]

She has a big mouth xD

and Michelle...well, she's a very hypocrtitcal and stuck up character

[bbfan1991]

I think the best female characters are Carla and Tina.

[Smithy]

Originally Posted by Chewy

She has a big mouth xD

and Michelle...well, she's a very hypocrtitcal and stuck up character

Well thats a good thing, it could mean an upcoming storyline could allow her to show her darker side

[Lucy.]

Michelle is insanely annoying and I think she's a terrible actress :O

[WOMBAI]

Originally Posted by Smithy

Why the Michelle hate??

She's a great character, and Kym is a brilliant actress

I agree! She turned out to be a better actress than I would have thought!

[Kerry]

Kym is a good actress. She surprised me. I have a love/hate thing with both characters though as one minute I love them and the next....

[bbfan1991]

In your face Kym Marsh!, she said IYF to Eastenders when Corrie won at the NTA so this is payback.