Coronation Street favourite signs new deal for ITV soap after 25 years on the cobbles

Samia Longchambon has signed a new contract to continue playing Maria Connor.

The actress, who celebrated 25 years on the cobbles last year, will remain on the cobbles as the ITV soap movies into its next chapter.

A source told The Sun that "there’s so much more to come" for Maria.

RadioTimes.com understands that Longchambon has renewed her contract for another year.

The news comes as the ITV soap gears up for its crossover special with Emmerdale next Monday (5th January).

The instalment, which is being dubbed Corriedale, will see characters from both soaps being involved in a catastrophic car accident.

We know that lives will be on the line following a multi-vehicle pile-up on a dark and stormy country road near Hotten.

Reacting to watching the crossover special for the very first time, David Platt actor Jack P Shepherd said: "I'm still taking it all in, I suppose, because obviously it's the first time we've seen it. I only saw little bits when we were actually filming on the night. But of course, we weren't there for any of the stunts, because it was just the stunt drivers... no cast were involved."

Speaking to RadioTimes.com and other media he continued: "There's so much to cram in. And what is it? 45 minutes, something like that? I think it's a fantastic job of getting all those stories in and with all the crashes, and it looking so filming and cinematic."

Read more:

• Coronation Street legend Denise Welch reveals why she felt she had to quit the soap as Natalie Barnes
• Coronation Street fan-favourite left for dead in horrific Christmas Day attack cliffhanger
• Coronation Street's Becky unveils dangerous plan with Carla in ITVX release

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