Emmerdale hunk’s ‘defection’ to Strictly set to spark exodus of ITV soaps’ biggest stars after bosses hands were forced

Strictly Come Dancing’s recent signing of Emmerdale hunk Lawrence Robb might just spark soap star wars. That’s because it could prompt an exodus of fellow actors on the Dales drama, as well as Coronation Street. Strictly Come Dancing signing Lawrence Robb could spark a soap star exodus from Emmerdale and Coronation Street Credit: Getty Hunk Lawrence appearing on the soap Lawrence is one of the first cast members who’s been allowed to stay on an ITV soap and get time off to appear on a big BBC show. It’s a concession from execs who were forced to reduce their contract hours earlier this year. Sign up for the Coronation Street newsletter Thank you! A TV insider said: “Lawrence’s trajectory after going on Strictly will be closely watched by his co-stars and may affect what career choice they take next. “Previously they had to have left the shows before they could go off and appear on a huge Beeb show, but now they can be written out of storylines temporarily with the blessing of the bosses. Former Emmerdale stars have done very well on the dance contest, including Kelvin Fletcher who won the show in 2019 Credit: PA Last year Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope was one of the most outstanding competitors Credit: PA “But if Lawrence is a sensation and sees himself swamped with other career opportunities then that might prompt his peers to follow suit. “And you could see Corrie big names competing with Emmerdale veterans to get on programmes like Strictly, not to mention other sought after shows including The Celebrity Traitors, Masterchef or major quiz shows. “That is likely to ruffle feathers among cast members at BBC soap EastEnders who will have to sit and watch as the Beeb is swamped by their ITV rivals. “But it all pivots on what happens to Lawrence. He could just do his turn on Strictly and return to soapland. But that’s rarely happened in the past.” Most read in TV Former Emmerdale stars have done very well on the dance contest, including Kelvin Fletcher who won the show in 2019, and last year Lewis Cope was one of the most outstanding competitors too. Other ITV soap stars have also done well, including Ellie Leach in 2023, but she had already left Corrie months before she signed up. It was a similar situation with Kym Marsh and Cath Tyldesley, who’d also quit the soap. Now all that could be about to change after this year’s Strictly – and I’m told soap bosses have got a serious case of the jitterbugs. Gritty city’s round two Mobster Michael is dragged back from Spain Credit: BBC Michael wields a spade in the show Gangster Michael Kavanagh looks deep in thought as his plans for a new life come crashing down in This City Is Ours. The gritty Liverpool crime drama returns to BBC One this autumn – and my first-look pictures suggest viewers will be on tenterhooks over the tense storyline. Michael (James Nelson-Joyce) has fled to Spain with partner Diana (Hannah Onslow), but their dreams of escaping trouble are thwarted by a dangerous fallout. They are dragged back into the fold to be quizzed about the death of Colombian cartel member Ricardo, who was killed at the end of series one. Felipe is out for revenge Michael and Diana Credit: BBC One snap shows Michael frantically ­digging while Diane and fellow gangster moll Cheryl (Saoirse-Monica Jackson) rest up on a nearby boulder. Another shows Ricardo’s brother Felipe (Alvaro Morte), contemplating his options as he seeks revenge. Star of Netflix hit Money Heist, Alvaro is not the only newcomer. Endeavour actor Shaun Evans joins the cast as former gangster Ozzie, who has just been released from prison and wants compensation from the firm. Julie Graham is back as Elaine Phelan, the widow of murdered gang leader Ronnie (Sean Bean). Also returning are Laura Aikman as accountant Rachel, Jack McMullen as Elaine’s son Jamie, and Mike Noble and Bobby Schofield as gangsters Banksey and Bonehead. Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning have begun filming new legal thriller, Discretion. The eight-part Paramount+ series is based on Chandler Baker’s book about an intern who uncovers a secret. Also starring Stephan James and Colton Ryan, it will air next year. Helen’s back on mob job Dame Helen Mirren returns as ruthless gangster matriarch Maeve in the second series of MobLand Credit: Paramount A leopard doesn’t change its spots, so expect Dame Helen Mirren’s gangster family matriarch Maeve to be just as ruthless when MobLand returns for a second series. The actress was pictured in an animal-print top and faux-fur jacket as Paramount+ confirmed the gritty series will be back. The new run drops on September 18, with telly hardman Tom Hardy returning as loyal fixer Harry Da Souza alongside former Bond actor Pierce Brosnan. The first series proved to be a runaway hit, with more than 2.2million viewers tuning in to episode one on the day of release. Within a fortnight, those figures jumped to just under 10million. Celeb’s kick-off delayed The reality series, hosted by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, will now start on Monday, November 16 Credit: Rex This year’s I’m A Celeb is being delayed by ITV bosses due to a clash with the Uefa Nations League. The tournament kicks off on September 24, with England taking on World Cup winners Spain on November 15, which was likely to be show’s launch date. Instead, the reality series, hosted by Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, will now start on Monday, November 16. A source said: “I’m A Celeb has always benefitted from the Sunday night prime-time slot. But now ITV has the rights to the Uefa Nations League, bosses have had to go back to the drawing board. I’m A Celeb will now start on November 16 at 9pm.” A second source added: “Bosses have pulled out all the stops to ensure I’m A Celeb’s launch show is a must-see. “Following the huge success of this year’s World Cup, they are overjoyed to have such a stellar line-up of entertainment and sport this autumn on ITV.” A new series will celebrate Scotland’s Golden Coast for More4. It’ll take in the treasures of the country’s east coast from the Moray Firth down to Eyemouth by the border and follow those who live and work in the region. Channel 4’s Deborah Dunnett said: “While we’ve named it for its sandy beaches, the series reveals so much more for viewers to see through the eyes of the lucky souls who call these places home.” Another disaster for C4? Channel 4’s latest social experiment will see contestants battle to survive 28 days in an abandoned town without running water, heating or electricity Credit: channel4 Brave participants will be plunged into an apocalypse on Channel 4’s latest bold social experiment. They will have to survive for 28 days in an abandoned town, as if a civilisation-ending disaster has struck. The contestants will battle to survive without running water, heating or electricity and must scavenge for food and supplies. Apocalypse will launch next month – and the broadcaster is so confident it is going to be a hit, it is already casting for series two. The channel’s reality shows haven’t fared too well recently, though, with Scared Of The Dark, The Hunt, Open House and Love Triangle all axed. Dare I ask – can Apocalypse survive? Comment now