Coronation Street stars ‘banned’ from BBC reality competitions amid cast exits

ITV bosses have reportedly ‘banned’ the cast of Coronation Street from signing up for reality TV competitions on the BBC. With the soap facing a spate of high-profile exits this year, its cast are said to be looking at opportunities beyond Weatherfield. This includes some high-profile reality television shows.
However, ITV bosses have reportedly told them that they cannot take part in shows for rival channel BBC. This includes Celebrity MasterChef or Strictly Come Dancing. A devastating blow to those hoping to set the Strictly dance floor alight.
What’s a Corrie star to do?

Coronation Street star Ellie Leach appeared on Strictly after leaving the soap in 2023 (Credit: BBC iPlayer)

Coronation Street insider reveals BBC ‘ban’ for cast
Speaking of the alleged rule, an insider told The Sun: “People are really scared of losing their jobs.”

They continued: “It’s always been a bit of the Wild West there. But they can’t all be unemployed at the same time, because they’ll all be up for the same jobs so there’s a lot of panic.
“They’re banned from doing Strictly or MasterChef, unless they’re off the show. While they’re on, they can’t do shows on rival networks.”
However, in an attempt to keep some of their most valuable cast members, ITV have reportedly relaxed rules on what their stars can and can’t do.
The tabloid’s insider continued: “For their main stars, to stop them from leaving, they’re letting them out to do more stuff as they’re all now on episodic fees.”