Overview

• ITV’s half-year profits dropped by 44% to £99 million, intensifying scrutiny of production budgets.
• Insiders say roughly 10% of the 84-strong Coronation Street cast and the 70-strong Emmerdale ensemble could be axed.
• Proposed measures include reducing the number of scenes per episode and tightening shooting schedules on both soaps.
• ITV has described reports of specific cast cuts as 'complete speculation' and says it is proceeding with efficiency measures.
• Budget reviews have already prompted cuts across ITV’s daytime lineup, affecting Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women.