Would it be beneficial to Corrie if they reduced the cast size by quite a bit to allow more characters to have more storylines?

For example, would anyone even notice if Kirk or Andy were never seen again?

Yes, yes and yes again. Far too much deadwood in Corrie.

I don't think it's the amount of actors that add or detract from the soaps. If you don't have quality producers and directors that won't settle for second rate storylines, the continuity and wardrobe depts will soon fall into line. If they don't rise to the expected level it's amazing the effect a quick distribution of pink slips have. It usually gets a quick attitude adjustment from those still left. The empty spots can be filled with the talent the producer demands and is entitled to. You need the proper tools for the job.

I think Kate Oates has gone straight into the storytelling, there is definitely more happening on Corrie.

However, there is a lot more deadwood still hanging about.
I don't see the cast reducing in size though, given a sixth episode is to be introduced next year. If anything, the cast will probably increase.

No The first and best needs to remain unique

I agree there needs to be a clear out, not Brian Park type axing but a few characters to my mind have run their course. Namely Fiz, Izzy, Anna, Sean and Dev.

Characters like Andy have never had a chance to show their full potential, they been the victim of poor story lining imo.

RE Kirk, he is a hell of better character wise than he was say 10 years ago now he is paired with Beth.

Fair point op. I thought initially this would be a thread about making corrie more like EE from a style point of view which I would disagree with.

However corrie could certainly do with a clear out. There are far too many unnecessary and unlikeable characters

Kate Oates said at the beginning that she wasn't going to start axing characters straight away, but wait to see what stories and which characters would be worthwhile before she made any decisions.

She's already extended Connor McIntyre's contract as Phelan and ended Les Dennis's one as Michael rather than just give him a break. It makes sense that she'll look at other contracts as they come up for renewal rather than break contracts.

No, everyone would stop watching. EE is dreadful at the moment, more like some grim play than a TV drama.

EastEnders is more enjoyable than Corrie at the moment but each to their own.

Definately each to their own. EastEnders is trailing behind corrie massively in every concieveable way.
I actually think Eastenders would have benefited from Kate Oates being the producer. .

Maybe slightly in the ratings but EastEnders has got the better characters and writing for me. Also I wonder if any soap will beat EE's final rating of 9.5m I doubt it.

According to BARB, Eastenders and Coronation Street are running about equal in the ratings at the moment, with EE viewers falling slightly and Corrie rising slightly since the end of October.

I wish it was a grim play, more like a really dull person playing the sims

Dear God no, it's got enough problems as it is.

Personally I would love to see around a third of the cast axed, but that is clearly not going to happen. There are just certain characters such as Andy, Kirk and Kate who will only ever be minor characters, which there are more tan enough of already. I would like to see more of people like Sophie, Seb, Norris who seem to do very little but at least can be interesting to watch.