It has been reported that Coronation Street bosses are paying up to £2,000 a week for Michael Le Vell’s rehab.
According to The Mirror, Le Vell, who is best known for his role as mechanic Kevin Webster on the show, is currently on a break after he admitted to taking cocaine.
However, once he has participated in rehab and been declared ‘clean’, show bosses want him to return to the popular soap.
It is reported that the actor initially resisted rehab but gave in once he was given an ultimatum by his superiors.
During a regular work month, it is thought that Le Vell could earn up to £200,000 but when absent from work, his contract is understood to pay him £9,000 per month.
A source said: “ITV recognises that Michael needs help and are doing all they can for him.
“He is picking up his basic salary, just as he did during his legal fight last year, and they have also agreed to pay his fees at the clinic.
“They are very keen for him to get fit and well, and back to the show.”
Forty-nine-year-old Le Vell admitted to taking cocaine in the weeks leading up to his child abuse trial. He was cleared of all charges in September and returned to work in Coronation Street in January.
However he has now been written out while he undergoes rehab and will only feature as Kevin Webster until the end of this month.
A Coronation Street spokesman said the actor’s treatment was “a personal and private matter.”
