Corrie's Kelly handed 18-month contract

[dutchman]

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.