The cast of Coronation Street have reportedly been left disappointed after being told they won’t have their annual Christmas party.

Usually, the cast and crew gather together around this time of the year to celebrate another hardworking year in soapland, and to sign off ready for the festive season.

It’s alleged that their party will not take place this year as a result of budget cuts.

‘Like many companies this year, bosses have had to think about budgets and it was decided that a huge festive bash wasn’t the best idea’.

The source continued to The Sun: ‘People can celebrate in smaller groups if they wish, but there won’t be the usual shindig that the cast and crew have come to love. It’s been a difficult year in lots of ways and despite the show smashing it on screen, there has been lots of changes behind the scenes.’

The development reportedly comes after the show’s summer celebrations got cancelled, again as a result of budgeting.

Earlier this year, the sponsorship deal Coronation Street had with Co-Op came to an end. The store on set was replaced with a Sainsbury’s shop instead.

Over the next few weeks, fans will watch the final part of Gail Platt’s storyline ahead of Helen Worth’s departure from the show.

It was reported a few days ago that Richard Hillman will be staging a grand return before Gail waves goodbye to the cobbles.

Sort of.

Fans fondly recall Richard’s reign of terror as one of the show’s highest points, with many storylines across all soaps trying (and sometimes failing) to replicate the camp killer madness.

Now, with Gail set to reflect on her life and loves as she prepares to marry Jesse Chadwick (John Thomson), she will be visited by a vision of her most evil husband, who will steer her in one direction or another.

A source first alerted Metro to this development some weeks ago, with a reportedly soaking wet Brian Capron being spotted on set amid filming the scenes.

In the Christmas spirit, we initially decided to sit on the information to preserve the final surprise in Helen’s half a century tenure.

However, as confirmed through a leak by the Sun, Richard is back – although, as we understand it, in a very fleeting capacity.