A Coronation Street star has fired back after a ‘vile’ and ‘uncalled’ for social media post suggested her character should be axed. Celebrity talent agent Melanie Blake said she would ‘happily wave off’ Maria Connor, played by Samia Longchambon in a cast-cull – and it seemed her comment ‘touched an unintentional nerve’ with the actress.
The ITV soap has seen a number of fan favourites quit in recent months, with Gail Platt actress Helen Worth departing after five decades on screen, and Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw, announcing she was leaving after 25 years. But amid the casting changes, Melanie Blake – who represents the show’s Claire Sweeney, Alan Halsall and Jennie McAlpine – said she “wouldn’t miss” Maria.
Posting on X, Melanie asked her 30,700 followers to name a couple of Corrie characters they’d be happy to ‘wave off the cobbles’. She said: “Let’s do a vote. No affiliations with anyone I work with. So, who would you like to see axed immediately and which true icons need to return? Pick 1 in and out and be nice! ‘Maria’ out for me first please”.
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Samia, who has played Maria since 2000, replied: “What have I done to upset you?” Melanie didn’t shy away from a response and said: “You haven’t upset me darling, I’ve met you and you’re lovely, l just think ‘Maria’ has had a really good on screen run but doesn’t get the stories she needs for me – to stay invested in on what is clearly going to be a tightening up on numbers.”
She reiterated that the “poll was character based only” and said she thought Samia was “talented”, adding: “I picked your character for me as I wouldn’t miss ‘her’ and I find Gary more interesting without her.” Melanie later stated that her posts had not been “targeted in anyway shape or form – just taste”, the Mirror reports.
This prompted another reply from Samia, which read: “So, basically, ‘nothing personal but you think I should be fired,’ thanks. Wishing you all the best Melanie.” Melanie once again replied: “Actually it’s sounding quite personal now as you are totally ignoring my very polite responses explaining my comment. Apologies if I touched an unintentional nerve. We are allowed our opinions and on which characters we like over others and that was it. All best too, and good-luck!”
According to the Mirror, friends and co-stars of Samia, 42, have had their say on the drama. A TV source told the publication: “Samia’s friends and co-stars were in utter disbelief over the tweets. It’s astounding that somebody who represents some of Coronation Street’s on-screen talent and always goes on about getting her clients work would send such a vile tweet. There’s been so much drama recently and this tweet was really uncalled for, Melanie should know better.”
Other stars set to leave the show in the coming months include Charlotte Jordan, who plays Daisy Midgley. Colson Smith has also been axed after 14 years of playing Craig Tinker and Sue Devaney who plays Debbie Webster, will depart as part of an ongoing dementia storyline.