Coronation Street fans are generally a loyal bunch, but many of them are seriously miffed at the moment.
For months, disappointed viewers have complained about the “boring” storylines and accused the soap of “hitting an all-time low”.
Read more: Coronation Street SPOILER: Ryan torn between two women
Now, in the same week that Faye Brookes announced she was leaving, followed closely by Katie McGlynn, the viewers have expressed their dismay – and they are directing their anger at new producer Iain MacLeod.
Just yesterday, ED! reported that the ITV soap had been forced to deny rumours of a crisis behind the scenes in Weatherfield.
Faye, who plays Kate Connor, told fans she was off “to explore new possibilities” just weeks after insisting she had no intention of leaving and had “only just begun to sink her teeth into her character”.
Read more: Corrie star Alexandra Mardell shows off stunning figure on romantic trip away
Today, news reaches us that Katie – who plays Sinead Tinker – is also leaving this year. Their departures comes after central stars Tristan Gemmill, Connie Hyde, Kym Marsh and Bhavna Limbachia all announced they were leaving.
In response to claims that the ITV soap is in crisis, a Corrie source told ED!: “The very nature of a long running serial drama is that actors come and go all the time.
“Producers have recently introduced the four new members of the Bailey family and Gemma’s brother Paul.”
But fans aren’t happy. And what are soaps without their fans?
One frustrated TV fan wrote: “Well done Iain MacLeod. You sure have ruined Corrie. Well done sir! Did you ever ask yourself why all these actors want to leave? Well done Iain – not!”
Another blasted: “All is okay under Iain Macleod?! No wonder @itvcorrie didn’t acknowledge International Women’s Day. There will be no women left by the end of May. Turnover one woman per day, but hey this new family and Gemma will save the day. I am loving this Titanic sinking.”
A third seethed: “I really do have to laugh… Who would have thought… The most iconic and longest running soap in history brought down by the absolute clown that is Iain MacLeod in just six months. @itvcorrie you need to get rid ASAP. He’s actually the definition of a parasite!”
Corrie, that’s what you get for having a pure disaster for your producer — lmao yeah. suckers. look at ed and ee thriving and then look at corrie who’ve lost so many cast members just this year https://t.co/GvdAXSTVU1
— . (@leavethecify) April 30, 2019
Well.done Iain McLeod you sure have ruined Corrie well.done sir did you ever ask yourself why all these actors want to leave well.done Iain not! pic.twitter.com/uuClGOfwDO
— kana fan (@Markcod47448261) April 30, 2019
LOL not a chance. I won't support Corrie in its awful current state with Iain as producer.
— Lauren 🏳️🌈 ⚽ ♀️ (@tipping__the) April 30, 2019
“Corrie, that’s what you get for having a pure disaster for your producer,” said another. “Look at Emmerdale and EastEnders thriving and then look at Corrie, who’ve lost so many cast members just this year.”
“I won’t support Corrie in its awful current state with Iain as producer,” added another.
Fans of the ITV soap have previously expressed their growing frustration with the character of Gemma Winter becoming so central to the storylines, claiming it’s become ‘The Gemma Show’.
But what do you think?
Do you think Corrie is in crisis? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!