Post by sootycat on Sept 20, 2010 11:00:00 GMT
From News Of The World
Corrie Star Simon Gregson will be offered a big money golden handshake deal to keep him in Weatherfield for the rest of his career.
Soap chiefs reckon the actor , who plays lovelorn cabbie firm boss , Steve McDonald , is absolutely vital for the long-term future. Executives have held froward planning meeting to hammer out a strategy to take Corrie into it's sixth decade from January.
And they are all agreed that Simon 35 , is pivotal to the show as it plans for life after the 50th anniversary celebrations. New producer Phil Collinson is among his biggest fans and realises that his popularity with viewers continues to soar.
But ITV top brass are also aware that Simon , who joined the soap in 1989 , may be considering a drastic career change after he spoke of plans to build up a property portfolio in Florida.
Producers will move swiftly to tie him in , taking the unusual step of re- negotiating his contract before it expires. It's believed he currently earns around £140,000 a year but plans are on the table to boost his salary past £200,000.
Also included would be clauses guranteeing powerful storylines plus time off for business activities.
" Simon's star has never shone brighter " revealed one source. " Everyone agrees he must not be allowed to go. Some bosses rate him as the top member of the cast. They're determined the show hits the ground running after this 50th anniversary year.
" So the last thing they want is to lose Simon "
I hope this is true as Steve is one of my favourite characters.
Corrie Star Simon Gregson will be offered a big money golden handshake deal to keep him in Weatherfield for the rest of his career.
Soap chiefs reckon the actor , who plays lovelorn cabbie firm boss , Steve McDonald , is absolutely vital for the long-term future. Executives have held froward planning meeting to hammer out a strategy to take Corrie into it's sixth decade from January.
And they are all agreed that Simon 35 , is pivotal to the show as it plans for life after the 50th anniversary celebrations. New producer Phil Collinson is among his biggest fans and realises that his popularity with viewers continues to soar.
But ITV top brass are also aware that Simon , who joined the soap in 1989 , may be considering a drastic career change after he spoke of plans to build up a property portfolio in Florida.
Producers will move swiftly to tie him in , taking the unusual step of re- negotiating his contract before it expires. It's believed he currently earns around £140,000 a year but plans are on the table to boost his salary past £200,000.
Also included would be clauses guranteeing powerful storylines plus time off for business activities.
" Simon's star has never shone brighter " revealed one source. " Everyone agrees he must not be allowed to go. Some bosses rate him as the top member of the cast. They're determined the show hits the ground running after this 50th anniversary year.
" So the last thing they want is to lose Simon "
I hope this is true as Steve is one of my favourite characters.
