Coronation Street bosses are set to bring back Curly Watts amid mass exodus of cast members including Lucy Fallon

PANICKING Corrie bosses are lining up the return of legend Curly Watts in a bid to boost ratings.

ITV chiefs have held a series of crisis meetings amid an exodus of cast members.

As well as bringing back Curly, played by Kevin Kennedy, Helen Flanagan is also set for a full-time return as Rosie Webster.

It comes as Lucy Fallon became the seventh star to leave in just three months.

Last night a TV source said: “Things are pretty bleak behind the scenes.

“Bosses want to bring joy back, on and off screen. The plan is to bring back one or two high-profile stalwarts who are a hit with older viewers.

“Kevin has previously said he wants to come back, so it’s about agreeing terms and finding the right story.

“They’re keen for Helen to sign after maternity leave. But producers will not budge on the gruelling schedule, and will continue the shock ‘modern’ storylines, even if they risk alienating older viewers.”

They also said cast welfare was being looked at.

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Kym Marsh and Faye Brooks are among the leavers, with more poised to quit a “toxic” set, unhappy with hours and pay.

Kevin, 57, joined Corrie in 1983. He played shop manager Norman “Curly” Watts, who married Raquel Wolstenhulme in 1995.

He took a break in 2000 to enter rehab, before quitting in 2003.

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