Samia Longchambon and her Coronation Street co-stars are in 'disbelief' as top talent agent calls for her character to be axed from show

Samia Longchambon and her Coronation Street co-stars are reportedly in 'disbelief' that a top talent agent called for her character to be axed from the show.

Melanie Blake represents some of the top talent on the show including Claire Sweeney, Jennie McAlpine along with former Corrie star Claire King and EastEnders' Laila Morse.

Taking to X, Melanie asked her followers: '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, who has played Maria Connor on the soap since 2000, was said to be shocked by the post.

A source told The Mirror: '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.'

Samia commented on Melanie's post and wrote: 'What have I ever done to you?'

Defending herself, Melanie insisted she had nothing against Samia but simply wouldn't miss her character Maria if she was no longer on the soap.

She wrote: '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 and 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 - that's just me!'

Melanie then referenced press reports that actors are fearful they may be axed from Coronation Street amid cost cuts. 

She wrote: 'I would equally like to see you either stay and get more 'Maria driven' stories which I'm sure would change my mind - your talent has never been in question - just the characters relevance in its current climate - as you can see socials are discussing cuts to characters & for me - she's in the danger zone unless you have great stuff coming up we haven't see yet! 

'And others others I would have listed way before you are already gone - going - not targeted in away shape or form - just taste. 

'Please don't let any 'personal' comments hyjack 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.'

Samia was unimpressed with Melanie's response however and wrote back: 'So, basically, “nothing personal but you think I should be fired”. Thanks. Wishing you all the best Melanie.'

Melanie 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 & that was it. All best too, and good-luck!'

Coronation Street stars are reportedly being barred from the Rovers Return as the soap desperately tries to cut costs.

Soaring TV production costs and a collapose in advertising revenue are said to have put the future of the ITV soap in jeopardy.

An insider has claimed some of the show's well known actors could see their scenes in the Rovers Return cut in a bid to save money.

It comes after Charlotte Jordan announced she was leaving the show after five years, following the likes of Sue Cleaver, Colson Smith and Helen Worth. 

A source told The Sun: 'Charlotte leaving is just the tip of the iceberg. Corrie is on its knees financially and bosses are being forced to make hard decisions. 

'TV production costs have soared more than 50 per cent while the advertising market funding them has all but collapsed. The cast are not happy but ITV have no choice but to cut costs.'

Salaries on Coronation Street vary significantly with established stars like Bill Roache said to earn £2,000 per episode while newbies usually get £400 per appearance.

The move has reportedly infuriated the soap's actors as before, the Rovers Return would be filled with different stars who would all get paid for the appearance, even if they hardly spoke on screen.

The insider added: 'The bar staff obviously had to be in all Rovers scenes so it was a great earner for them. But those days are now long gone - it's just too expensive.'

Insiders claimed some of the show's established stars are now worried about how they'll pay their mortgages amid all the cuts. 

Both Corrie and fellow ITV soap Emmerdale run regular set tours in a bid to earn money while Weatherfield now has it's own EE shop in a 'product placement' deal. 

By contrast, Corrie's BBC rival EastEnders is still in a healthy financial position thanks to the licence fee and overseas deals.

But sources claim there are now concerns over whether Corrie - which turns 65 this year - will make it to 70 years in its current format.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for Coronation Street for comment.