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She may have missed out on the Sexiest Female gong at Saturday's British Soap Awards, but Kym Marsh is still the envy of all in Weatherfield right now. The 33-year-old actress is being groomed as Coronation Street's flagship star by new executive producer Phil Collinson, after bagging a whopping two-year deal worth £300,000.

"Phil's told Kym he's going to make her the biggest name on Coronation Street," a soap mole told The People. "In recent years it's virtually unheard-of to get a two-year deal on so much money, but Kym is one star Phil is determined to keep. He thinks she's a great talent."

Also celebrating is Katherine Kelly, who's secured an 18-month contract with the soap. The 30-year-old, who plays Becky McDonald, has been given "a huge vote of confidence" by cut-throat Collinson. Meanwhile, fellow babe Helen Flanagan - Rosie Webster - has also got the thumbs-up from the former Doctor Who boss, with a not-to-be-sniffed-at 12-month deal.

News of the contracts is sure to rub salt into the wounds of the stars who've recently been axed. These include Steven Arnold and Julia Haworth (Ashley and Claire Peacock), Vicky Binns (Molly Dobbs) and Steve Jackson (dustman Trevor Dean).