[MrGaryy]

CORRIE chiefs last night sensationally axed a string of characters — including the ENTIRE Morton family.

Kebab shop boss Jerry Morton and his whole clan got the boot after months of whispers their characters had not settled in well.

The family were introduced to the ITV1 soap only last year.

The mass exodus will see Jerry (played by Michael Starke), Mel (Emma Edmonson), Darryl (Johnny Dixon), Kayleigh (Jessica Bardon) and Finlay (Ramone Quinn) leave later this year.

The blitz also hits Jack Ellis and Matthew Compton, who play father and son bookies Harry and Dan Mason. They joined the Street in December but producers were swift to get rid of them and they will be leaving in the autumn.

A source said: “The producers had a big forward planning meeting this week and have decided to axe a number of characters.

“Most of the actors were called in at lunchtime and told — they are gutted.”

As well as this Ian Reddington, who plays Liz McDonald’s new husband Vernon Tomlin, is also due to leave in September. He already has a play and a panto lined up.

Show boss Kim Crowther said: “Coronation Street has always had a tradition of characters who come in to play out storylines beside established characters before moving on.

“As in any community there are people who live there for years and people who pass through. We still have some interesting storylines to play with these characters.

“They are all very talented actors and we wish them well.”

EDIT:Sorry for not putting it in the Corrie Thread!