The stars of Coronation Street cut a glum picture as they arrived on set today after three big names quit in the space of 48 hours.
Katie McGlynn, Faye Brookes and Lucy Fallon have all confirmed their departures amid mounting rumours that 'poor wages, long hours and a poisonous atmosphere' have plunged the show into crisis.
A make-up free Katie, 25, was seen driving herself to the ITV Trafford Wharf Studios less than 24 hours after revealing she's handed in her notice - despite her character Sinead Tinker having just been given the all-clear from cervical cancer.
Long-standing cast member William Roache (Ken Barlow) looked equally pensive as he arrived, as did Sair Khan, who plays Alya Nazir.
Seven stars have announced they are leaving since the start of the year.
Coronation Street: 'Truth' behind mass exodus as fans blame new boss Iain MacLeod
Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor) and Tristan Gemmill (Robert Preston) are working their notice, and Bhavna Limbachia (Rana Habeeb) and Connie Hyde (Gina Seddon) have already gone.
But the real exodus started on Wednesday when Faye Brookes (Kate Connor) revealed she's got one foot out the door, followed by Katie and Lucy (Bethany Platt).
Sources have claimed morale is at an 'all-time low' and that the cast are unhappy about 'vast differences' in salaries.
And fans are also pointing the finger firmly at newcomer Iain McLeod, who was drafted in from Emmerdale to reignite comedy the soap was once famed for.
Coronation Street crisis: Why 'pay, hours and toxic atmosphere' has forced 7 stars to quit
"Well done Iain McLeod you sure have ruined Corrie," tweeted one, who joined many in their anger over the show's decision to kill of Rana Nazir (Bhavna Limbachia) on her wedding day to Kate Connor.
However Lucy - who reportedly hopes to carve out a post-Corrie career similar to Michelle Keegan's - insisted her decision has nothing to do with Iain or anyone on the show.
"After the most incredible 4 years, I have made the extremely difficult decision to leave Coronation Street at the end of my contract in 2020," she tweeted.
"I’m so thankful to Iain and everyone at Coronation Street, I owe everything to them and I will miss them greatly.
"Thank you so much for your support and love... can't wait to see what's in store for Bethany this year."
And she later added: "Just to clarify, my decision to leave was made in August last year and has nothing to do with ANYONE at Coronation Street.
"I didn’t make it lightly and I am going to miss every single person there. Excited for my final year at the best place! Woo"
