Friends of Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon have been left livid after a talent agent who represents some of her ITV co-stars shared a post calling for her to be sacked

Coronation Street’s Samia Longchambon has hit back over calls for her character to be axed.

In recent weeks, the ITV soap has been plagued by cast members dramatically quitting, with Helen Worth departing on Christmas Day after five decades and her on-screen rival, Sue Cleaver who plays Eileen Grimshaw also quitting after 25 years. Most recently, Charlotte Jordan, who plays Daisy Midgley became the fifth star to announce their departure in recent weeks.

This followed on from Colson Smith who recently spoke out after being axed by the show, 14 years after joining. Meanwhile, Sue Devaney who plays Debbie Webster also announced her departure as part of an ongoing dementia storyline. Earlier this week, Mason who is played by Luca Toolan was also written out in a knife crime storyline.

Bosses are also said to have been holding crisis talks due to ongoing financial issues, which is said to have seen some characters have their days cut. Reports claim that while scenes inside the famous Rovers Return often featured almost every character, their time in the pub is being culled in order to save cash. But talent agent, Melanie Blake, who represents leading soap stars including Corrie’s Claire Sweeney, Alan Halsall, Jennie McAlpine, former Corrie star Claire King and names including EastEnders’ Laila Morse and Emmerdale’s Michelle Hardwick has called for Samia’s character, Maria to be axed.

In a post shared to her 30,700 followers, Melanie said: “Corrie couple characters you’d happy wave off the cobbles. Let’s do a vote. No affiliations with anyone I work with. So, who would you like to see axed immediately & which true icons needs to returned #Corrie? Pick 1 in & out & be nice! ‘Maria’ out for me 1st plz #taxi.” Samia first appeared on Corrie in 1992 as an extra, before taking up the role of Maria Connor in 2000.

A leading TV agent has called for Samia Longchambon to be axed from Coronation Street – leaving her co-stars fuming
Now, friends and co-stars of Samia, 42, have spoken out on the drama. Speaking to the Mirror, a TV source said: “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.”

Melanie has previously used her social media platforms to claim she has been responsible for signing “legendary soap queens” up for roles. One post, dated February 26, 2024 saw Blake tweet: “Yet another, legendary soap queen is about to start filming a brand new role on a rival fabulous soap in just a few weeks – honestly it’s like an addiction me doing this – so if ur actress that’s left a soap and u pass me on the street, unless you want to return to being back in the show, suddenly on mag covers & tv interviews everywhere & back in the media eye – and I start talking to you & u do’t want it all back then my advice is in this gif because I just can’t help myself returning you queens to your screens.”

Melanie Blake, who represents a string of Coronation Street stars called for Samia’s character to be axed ( 
Image:
Melanie Blake)
Samia has since responded to Blake’s comment, writing: “What have I done to upset you?” In response, Melanie said: “You haven’t upset me darling, I’ve met you and your lovely l just think ‘Maria’ has had a really good on screen run years length of time but didn’t 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 – the poll was character based only & I never feel like Maria gets an A storline and with the show so packed & you still being young attractive & talented – I picked your character for me as I wouldn’t miss ‘her’ & I find Gary more interesting without her.”

Melanie went on to say that she would however, like Maria Connor to stay on the soap, if she was given more storylines. She added that Samia’s talent has “never been in question” but the “relevance” of her character has been. “She’s in the danger zone,” she added and stated that social media users also shared the same belief.

“She’s in the danger zone unless you have great stuff coming up we haven’t see yet,” Melanie commented. She later stated that her posts had not been “targeted in anyway shape or form – just taste.” Blake also added that She went on to add: “Please don’t let any ‘personal comments hyjack [sic] me threads off based on fictional & the ever evolving soap world. Which is of course what soap fans do – discuss the shows – especially during reboots.”

“So, basically, ‘nothing personal but you think I should be fired,’ thanks. Wishing you all the best Melanie,” commented Samia.

The Mirror has approached Melanie Blake for comment.