Coronation Street bosses have reportedly taken new action to drum up cash, following rumours that the ITV show is facing financial difficulties.
Soaring TV production costs and a collapse in advertising revenue are said to have put the future of the long-running soap in jeopardy and sparked a number of budget cuts.
But it appears that bosses have a new plan up their sleeves to raise some more funds, with reports stating they have applied to trademark the ‘Corrie’ brand.
According to The Mirror, they have filed an application with the UK’s Intellectual Property Office to be able to flog branded products for fans to buy.
The publication claimed the paperwork was filed last month and once approved, would last for 10 years, preventing other parties from using the famous Corrie name.
It is said bosses want to use the well-known brand to sell the likes of toiletries, cosmetics, kitchen utensils, bed linens and even perfumes.
Coronation Street bosses have reportedly taken new action to drum up cash, following rumours that the ITV show is facing financial difficulties
Soaring TV production costs and a collapse in advertising revenue are said to have put the future of the long-running soap in jeopardy and sparked a number of budget cuts
Other unexpected items include lunch boxes, water bottles, tea ports, rain ponchos, bathrobes, beer glasses, ties and bean bag covers.
An intellectual property lawyer outlined to the publication what the trademark will do for the soap, including how it can prevent other sellers profiting off the Corrie brand.
They explained: ‘The trademark enhances the TV company’s capacity to take action against unauthorised third parties that might use its name for commercial purposes.
‘Simply having these trademarks registered can serve as a significant deterrent to any third party contemplating the unauthorized use of the name.’
‘Moreover, it enhances ITV’s prospects for commercializing the Corrie brand, being a television company, they are likely to seek opportunities to license these trademarks to partners, generating revenue through royalties in the process,’ they added.
MailOnline has contacted the representatives for Coronation Street for comment.
Coronation Street merchandise is already available for fans to buy at the gift shop on the soap’s official tour.
The shop advertises itself as ‘an absolute treasure trove’ that has everything you need to ‘bring a touch of Weatherfield into your own home’.
An intellectual property lawyer outlined to the publication what the trademark will do for the soap, including how it can prevent other sellers profiting off the Corrie brand
Coronation Street merchandise is already available for fans to buy at the gift shop on the soap’s official tour (pictured in 2022)
It states: ‘For those who fancy themselves as a bit of a master chef, we’ve got this fabulous Roy’s Rolls apron.
‘We’ve got tote bags, towels, and mugs with famous Corrie quotes plastered all over ’em! It’s like owning a little piece of the Street.’
There has been a flurry of speculation that the ITV soap is cash-strapped, with many reports about drastic measures producers have been taking to try and save money.
Both Corrie and fellow ITV soap Emmerdale run regular set tours in a bid to earn more cash while Weatherfield now has it’s own EE shop in a ‘product placement’ deal.
By contrast, BBC rival EastEnders is still in a healthy financial position thanks to the licence fee and overseas deals.
But sources claim there are concerns over whether Corrie – which turns 65 this year – will make it to 70 years in its current format.
It’s been reported the ITV soap is in trouble due to an alleged cash crisis and a revolt from the cast over poor working conditions and low salaries.
In January, an insider claimed some of the show’s well known actors could see their scenes in the Rovers Return cut to save cash.
It comes after a flurry of speculation that the ITV soap was cash-strapped in recent months, with many reports about drastic measures producers have been taking to try and save money (Julia Goulding and Jack P Shepherd seen on soap in January)
Gail Platt – played by Helen Worth for 50 years – appeared in just 26 out of 304 episodes in her final year on the soap (pictured)
And as more well-established stars are paid more per episode, the show is said to be relying more on its newer characters as those actors are paid less.
Salaries on the cobbles vary significantly with established stars like Bill Roache said to earn £2,000 per episode while newbies usually get £400 per appearance
Gail Platt – played by Helen Worth for 50 years – appeared in just 26 out of 304 episodes in her final year on the soap, while Bill only played Ken for 48 episodes.
While some of the show’s mid-ranking and younger actors are been said to be worried they’ll be written off the show in order to keep the more established stars.
Last year, the show’s new boss warned the multiple characters will face the boot as she opened up about several ‘unexpected exits’ in 2025.
Since November, Charlotte Jordan, Sue Cleaver, Sue Devaney, Colson Smith, and Luca Toolan — have all announced they will be leaving the show.
Other actors have reportedly vented their fury on a WhatsApp group over fears they could be next.
Since November, Charlotte Jordan, Sue Cleaver, Sue Devaney, Colson Smith (pictured) and Luca Toolan — have all announced they will be leaving the show
A source said: ‘There’s a WhatsApp group which has been pinging with messages about concerns of where the axe will fall next.’
‘It’s a tough time on the soap and it’s filtering down. There is a feeling more people will be cut to save money and to keep the best-paid stars like Bill Roache and Jack P Shepherd on board.’
The insider added that cast members have also complained about the long working hours.
They added: ‘Filming is tough. One person moaned they were ‘worked like dogs’. The days of bumper pay are gone.’
