The cast of Coronation Street have expressed fears that several regulars may face the axe when their new producer joins the show next month. According to the News Of The World actors are concerned that Phil Collinson - the ex-Doctor Who producer who axed Freema Agyeman as the Doctor's assistant - may get rid of at least six of the soap's major characters. And the paper reports that Jimi Harkishin, who plays shop boss Dev Alahan, Samia Smith, who plays Maria Connor and screen couple Claire and Ashley Peacock (Julie Haworth and Steven Arnold) could be among the vulnerable cast members. "Every one fears for their jobs," one cast member said. "I'm just keeping my head down. "But a new producer will always want to make a mark - bringing in new characters and getting rid of those they believe have gone stale." It is thought that some of the soap's longer-established characters - such as Ken Barlow (William Roache) and Jack Duckworth (Bill Tarmey) will be safe from the axe, as the show approaches its 50th birthday later this year. "We have had Corrie murderers Tricky Dicky and Tony Gordon but the new boss could kill off more characters than those two put together," the source added.
