Coronation Street stars are reportedly ‘angry’ over the product placement deal that will see a Costa Coffee and a Co-op set up shop in Weatherfield.
Prominent cast members are said to be concerned that Nick’s Bistro, which is due a rebrand after owner Nick was written out of the soap, could become a ‘Nando’s’.
A source told The Sun: “People are wondering whether it could be a Nando’s or a Pizza Express given that ITV are happy to take cash from the Co-op and Costa to plug their products.
“People are asking where this commercialism of Corrie will end? Perhaps the Rovers should be taken over by Wetherspoon’s!”
“There is real anger over this commercial tie-in. ITV is happy to take millions from commercial firms for product placement and allow the cast to stand around with Costa cups and lug carrier bags around but won’t allow the cast to promote products away from the set.
“That is just double standards. Aside from that the product placement is ridiculous. This no joke. Once you have one or two brands in then it is opening the door for more.
"This will be a like a slow drip and in a few years' time there will be lots more. Mark my words."
Most memorable Coronation Street characters
The source also said they believed stars would quit the soap over the issue.
“More will go over this. That is for sure. Why should they be made to plug products for ITV as a character but they are not allowed to do it for themselves in their own names?”
Last month ITV announced that a branch of Costa Coffee and Co-op would be introduced as part of the programme’s set expansion.
The product placement deal will see characters visit the shops and carry Costa coffee cups and Co-op shopping bags.
Coronation Street continues Wednesday, February 14 at 7.30pm on ITV.
