Lucy Fallon quit Coronation Street so she could sign a big-money deal for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing
The star was tapped up last year but told she needed to quit her soap role
CORONATION Street’s Lucy Fallon quit as Bethany Platt so she could sign a deal for this year’s Strictly.
Lucy, 23, was tapped up by the BBC last year — but soap bosses ban cast members from signing lucrative offers to take part.
A source said: “Lucy is a huge fan of Strictly and was invited to watch last year’s live show in Blackpool. When Strictly bosses realised she was keen, they told her she’d have to quit Corrie because of its ban on deals.
“Lucy took the plunge as she knows her acting career has more opportunities ahead than sticking around in Weatherfield.
“Talks have started between her representatives and Strictly bookers. Some male dancers already want to partner her.” The Sun revealed how Lucy, in the ITV soap for four years, had become the seventh cast member in three months to quit.
Insiders claim since Emmerdale boss Iain MacLeod took over last June, the atmosphere on set had turned toxic after the show’s stars grew tired of the gruelling hours and pay gap.
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A source said: “The newer names know they are working far longer hours for a fraction of the cash. It’s sparked a lot of unhappiness. Lucy is the latest to get fed up of seeing opportunities go to waste because Corrie won’t let her take them on. She won’t be the last.”
Lucy thanked Corrie bosses in a statement which confirmed she would leave when her contract ends next year.
The exodus also includes Kym Marsh as Michelle Connor, Faye Brookes (Kate Connor), Tristan Gemmill (Robert Preston) and Katie McGlynn (Sinead Tinker).
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STRICTLY bosses have cancelled fans’ meet and greets with pro dancers with just days’ notice.
Organisers apologised but said they axed them so the cast can rest between the 35 dates on their UK tour, which started yesterday.
The let-down “VIPs” were offered a £50 refund or could cancel the entire booking.
But that was blasted by fans, many of whom bought tickets last year.
Alison Brown said: “It can’t be that hard work to take a few pictures and chat with fans.”
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