Corrie’s Jack P Shepherd signs contract extension to stay on soap for a milestone year

Coronation Street's Jack P. Shepherd has signed a new contract extension which will see him celebrate a massive milestone on the soap.

The 31-year-old is said to have signed on for another year, which will also be his 20th year on Corrie.  And it's going to be another big year for Corrie itself: the iconic soap will be turning 60 next December. An insider told The Sun that Corrie bosses are "planning a dramatic episode" for the occasion next year, and will be looking to incorporate some of the cobbles' most beloved characters - including David Platt, who is played by Shepherd. "Jack is a very good actor and the executives are delighted he’s on board for another year. He’s one of the best they’ve got," the source said. "They are planning a dramatic episode for the soap’s 60th birthday and need people with the talent of Jack to lift the performances of the rest of the cast." The actor has played David Platt on Coronation Street since April 2000. The news comes shortly after Jack's on-screen sibling, Tina O'Brien, also signed a contract extension. Soap bosses were trying to make sure that the actress - who plays Sarah Platt - would be staying in Weatherfield for the soap's 60th anniversary next year. Lucy Fallon, who plays Tina's on-screen daughter Bethany Platt, announced she would be leaving the soap earlier this year. "It is a shame that Lucy is breaking up the family but she feels it is time to move on. Tina, however, is going nowhere," an insider told  The Sun at the time. "The executives are well-aware that they need some glamour in the show and Tina was offered a new deal at the earliest opportunity." "Tina's a definitely favourite for viewers and bosses have big plans for her," the source continued.