Coronation Street have reportedly signed up actor Samuel James for a guest role following a mᴀss exodus of the show’s stars.

Samuel, 47, who has previously appeared on EastEnders and Birds Of A Feather, has been cast as Lauren Bolton’s murder trial approaches.

According to The Sun, he will portray the head of prosecution in Lauren’s trial where she is charged with murdering solicitor Joel. 

Samuel will portray character Steven Poyser in dramatic courtroom scenes.

A source said: ‘Samuel will appear on screen for a number of episodes in a guest role as Lauren’s fate is finally revealed.’    

Coronation Street insiders have rubbished rumours that the ITV soap is in trouble amid a cash crisis. 

Coronation Street have reportedly signed up actor Samuel James for a guest role following a mᴀss exodus of the show’s stars

Samuel, 47, who has previously appeared on EastEnders and Birds Of A Feather, has been cast as Lauren Bolton’s murder trial approaches

Rumours have swirled that there is trouble behind the scenes on the cobbles – with six cast members announcing their departures in just two months. 

The show has been facing plummeting rating and recently lost its most-watched ITV soap crown to Emmerdale. 

Speaking to The Mirror, a soap insider admitted that there are big changes afoot for the soap.

However, they insisted the show ‘is in no way on the brink of collapse’ with an array of exciting and dramatic plotlines planned. 

‘Corrie’s vision for the future on the show has secured its place on screens for years to come,’ they said.

‘Fans can ignore any idea that within a decade the soap will be gone, because it’s in no way on the brink of collapse.’

The source added: ‘It really is a case of one door closes and another opens in that some familiar faces will be leaving, but others will be back – and the new faces could be just what the show needs.’

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. 

Coronation Street insiders have rubbished rumours that the ITV soap is in trouble amid a cash crisis (Seen are John Woodvine as Alan Hoyle and Graeme Hawley as John Stape)

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, 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 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.’ 

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. 

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 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.’

MailOnline contacted representatives of Coronation Street for comment at the time.