Jack P Shepherd, Alan Halsall and Andy Whyment have become the latest Coronation Street stars to sign new one-year deals to stay on the soap.

ITV has a long-standing policy of offering successive 12-month contracts, even for the show's most established stars, and recently agreed new deals with Bill Roache (Ken Barlow), Sally Dynevor (Sally Metcalfe) and Michael Le Vell (Kevin Webster).

The new trio to sign deals have all been in Weatherfield for more than two decades each, with Shepherd taking over the role of David Platt in 2000, Halsall joining as Tyrone Dobbs in 1998 and Whyment playing Kirk Sutherland since 2000.

A source told The Sun: "Bosses are thrilled, they're show legends and it wouldn't be the same without them.

"They all jumped at the chance - they love their jobs.

"Fans will be glad they're signed on for another year and not going anywhere."

Coronation Street continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1.