Five of Coronation Street's most popular actors have reportedly signed new deals to remain on the soap for the foreseeable future.

Next week the show celebrates its milestone 60th anniversary - a date that also marks actor Bill Roache's world-beating 60 years of playing Ken Barlow.

According to The Sun, Roache has signed a "bumper new deal" keeping him on the cobbles into 2021 and beyond.

The 88-year-old is still fit and healthy and recently outlined an ambitious plan to keep acting on Corrie until he is 120 years old.

Others said to have penned new deals include Michael Le Vell (Kevin Webster), Sally Dynevor (Sally Metcalfe), Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) and Sue Cleaver (Eileen Grimshaw).

"These are the lifeblood of the show and, frankly, it would not be Corrie without them," a source told the newspaper.

"Despite a difficult year, bosses were delighted when they agreed deals, keeping them on screen until at least 2021.

"Between them, they have given nearly 200 years to the show."

Maureen Lipman, who plays Tyrone's grandmother Evelyn Plummer, is also thought to have signed a new deal recently.