Kym Marsh is the envy of all in Weatherfield right now. The 33-year-old actress is being groomed as Coronation Street´s flagship star by new executive producer Phil Collinson, after bagging a whopping two-year deal worth £300,000.

“Phil´s told Kym he´s going to make her the biggest name on Coronation Street,” a soap mole told The People. “In recent years it´s virtually unheard-of to get a two-year deal on so much money, but Kym is one star Phil is determined to keep. He thinks she´s a great talent.”

Also celebrating is Katherine Kelly, who´s secured an 18-month contract with the soap. The 30-year-old, who plays Becky McDonald, has been given “a huge vote of confidence” by cut-throat Collinson. Meanwhile, fellow babe Helen Flanagan – Rosie Webster – has also got the thumbs-up from the former Doctor Who boss, with a not-to-be-sniffed-at 12-month deal.

News of the contracts is sure to rub salt into the wounds of the stars who´ve recently been axed. These include Steven Arnold and Julia Haworth (Ashley and Claire Peacock), Vicky Binns (Molly Dobbs) and Steve Jackson (dustman Trevor Dean).

via Orange UK.