Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow clutched his chest and collapsed in agony in new pictures teasing next week’s shocking twist in the soap.
Fans of the beloved ITV soap know pensioner Ken, played by William Roache, was victim of his carer Cassie Plummer (Claire Sweeney) – although it remains unknown if Ken’s condition was her fault or not.
In the first look stills, Ken is captured fighting for his life as he attempts to reach his phone in visible pain as fans fear for the iconic character.
The storyline will see Cassie receive a text informing her that her new ipad is on the way, but she keeps it a secret from Steve.
When Fiz plans to head into town for some shopping, Cassie pretends she has hayfever and asks her friend to grab some antihistamines.
As she continues to take advantage of Ken, Cassie orders two juicers under his name – but it could mark the beginning of the end of her scheme.
Coronation Street ‘s Ken Barlow clutched his chest and collapsed in agony in new pictures teasing next week’s shocking twist in the soap
Fans of the beloved ITV soap know pensioner Ken, played by William Roache , was victim of his carer Cassie Plummer ( Claire Sweeney ) – although it remains unknown if Ken’s condition was her fault or not
After fobbing Fiz off, Cassie is delighted when Steve invites her for lunch at the Bistro – but moments later Ken’s eyes open, suggesting he is finally onto her.
Ken reaches to make a call on his phone but collapses in agony.
Cassie has been spiking Ken’s tea and was caught by Bertie, who she had to bribe to stay quiet – but he still let slip to Daisy.
Daisy told Daniel, who shrugged off the information as a misunderstanding.
It comes amid reports 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.
Since November, Charlotte Jordan, Sue Cleaver, Sue Devaney, Colson Smith, Luca Toola and Shelley King — 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.
According to The Sun, Thursday’s 9pm to 10pm episode was watched by 2.5 million people – just ten percent of the 27million who watched Hilda Ogden’s farewell in its 1987 heyday.
The storyline will see Cassie receive a text informing her that her new ipad is on the way, but she keeps it a secret from Steve (pictured Claire Sweeney)
The episode was moved from its usual Friday slot and time so the network could show the FA Cup clash between Aston Villa and West Ham.
As a result, Coronation Street was pitted against BBC’s reality game show The Traitors which pulled in five million viewers.
The show’s low ratings saw it fall behind Emmerdale on 3.5 million, while BBC’s EastEnders pulled in 2.8 million viewers.
This also means The Street fell out of the top ten most watched shows of the day – which last happened on Christmas Day, which saw Helen Worth’s goodbye after starring as Gail Platt for 50 years.
A source told The Sun: ‘Coronation Street used to be the jewel in ITV’s crown. Now there’s a despondency among actors.’
A spokesperson for the show hit back: ‘Thursday night at 9pm is not our usual transmission pattern. It also does not take into account ITVX viewers.’
‘Monday’s knife-crime episode peaked at 3.9million which, when consolidated, will be in keeping with 2024’s average of 4.4million, making it the most-watched soap on TV.’
Rumours have swirled there is trouble behind the scenes on the cobbles – with six cast members announcing their departures in just two months (Charlotte Jordan as Daisy Midgeley)
Since November, Charlotte Jordan, Sue Cleaver, Sue Devaney, Colson Smith, and Luca Toolan — have all announced they will be leaving the show (Colson Smith who is set to depart the series this year pictured)
Some of the show’s mid-ranking actors and younger stars are also said to be worried they’ll be axed in a bid to save money.
Some of the younger stars are said to fear they’ll be written off the show in order to keep established stars like Bill Roache and Jack P. Shepherd on board.
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.’
