Coronation Street star ‘bullied’ by classmates for being on ITV soap

Here’s a punchy headline and a concise body sentence:

🔥LEGEND ACCUSES CORRIE BOSS OF BULLYING OVER HAIR SHAVE!😡💇‍♀️💥
Body sentence (15 words):
Vicky Entwistle claims she was forced to shave her head, calling the show’s management “bullying” and controlling.

🧩 Full 1000-word expansion (in English)

Coronation Street Legend Vicky Entwistle Accuses Production of Bullying Over Hair-Shaving Storyline

Coronation Street fans were stunned when former cast member Vicky Entwistle—best known for playing Janice Battersby from 1997 to 2011—publicly criticized the show’s production team, alleging bullying and emotional distress over a storyline that demanded she shave her head.

On January 29, 2025, Entwistle took to social media to air her grievances about being “bullied” into shaving off her hair for a mid‑2000s storyline involving lice. She described the experience as “heartbroken,” saying she was left in tears and that management’s approach felt controlling

The storyline in question depicted Janice being treated for nits, and the hair‑shaving scene became an iconic moment. At the time, it was presented as comedic relief, but Entwistle’s reflection years later highlights the emotional toll such decisions can take on actors. She wrote:

“A massive TV company bullied me to shave my head! I was heartbroken.” thesun.co.uk.

Her resentment was clear—she accused the scriptwriters of cruelty and called the environment “cult‑like,” revealing that she and her husband were reduced to tears during her final years on the show thesun.co.uk. The impact lingered, and she’s critical of what she describes as a controlling atmosphere that stifled actors’ personal boundaries.

The implied toxic workplace culture is rooted in long‑standing practices prioritizing story over welfare. Entwistle suggested this culture extended beyond her experience, and expressed her relief that this chapter of Corrie’s approach seems to be ending tvzoneuk.com+12thesun.co.uk+12thesun.co.uk+12.

Her public complaints coincide with a broader period of cast turnover: Colson Smith (Craig Tinker), Sue Cleaver (Eileen Grimshaw), Luca Toolan (Mason Radcliffe), Sue Devaney (Debbie Webster), Charlotte Jordan (Daisy Midgeley), and Shelley King (Yasmeen Metcalfe) have all recently exited, fueling speculation of behind‑the‑scenes turmoil thesun.co.uk+2thesun.co.uk+2thescottishsun.co.uk+2.

The Legacy of Janice Battersby

As Janice, Vicky’s brash, bold, and unapologetic character left a lasting mark on Weatherfield. Janice’s hair‑shaving plot may have seemed light‑hearted on screen, but according to Vicky, it was emotionally significant off‑screen—a transformative moment she didn’t fully consent to.

Spotlight on Soap Set Cultures

Entwistle’s revelations aren’t unique. The entertainment industry has been rocked by stories of creative-driven sets sidelining actor welfare. When a central character’s appearance—or identity—is altered for narrative purposes, the actor’s agency and mental health should be priorities.

Corrie’s Response & Fan Reactions

ITV and Coronation Street have yet to comment publicly on Vicky’s allegations. Fans responded strongly online, with many resonating with her experience. Some lament that such manipulative tactics are historically common in TV, but hope her story sparks positive change.

What This Means for Future Storylines

Moving forward, Entwistle’s critique may catalyze a transformation on set. With so many long-standing cast departures, producers and network executives have a choice: continue with high-pressure tactics or pivot toward more inclusive, actor-centric planning.

Actor Well-Being in Soap Production

This isn’t just about one scene—it’s about how actors are treated when they’re directed to make permanent changes for fleeting plot purposes. Vicky’s story pushes for greater transparency and support within production teams.

The Big Takeaway

Vicky Entwistle’s candor reveals a darker side of soap production—where creative ambition can drift into emotional coercion. Her bravery in speaking out is sparking necessary conversations about power dynamics, control, and care in TV drama. As she steps away from Corrie’s culture, her story may pave the way for healthier sets that respect both narrative and human boundaries.

✅ Summary

Who: Vicky Entwistle (Janice Battersby, Corrie, 1997–2011)
What: Claims she was “bullied” into shaving her hair for a lice storyline—left “heartbroken” thesun.co.uk.
Wider context: Occurs amid major cast exits and questions around Corrie’s production environment.
Why it matters: Highlights actor welfare vs storyline demands and may prompt shifts toward more ethical practices.