New ITV boss Kevin Lygo has said Coronation Street will go to six episodes a week from autumn 2017 - time for the cat in the opening credits to seek better terms.
In an email to staff announcing the move, "life-long" Corrie fan Lygo said production of six episodes each week was one of the first things on his list when he became ITV's Director of Television.
The Corrie cat was seen heading off for a meeting with his agent earlier on Wednesday
He described Coronation Street and Emmerdale as the "cornerstone of the ITV schedule", and said Coronation Street continued to produce "some of the finest drama and comedy on television".
"It is a hugely important part of what has defined ITV throughout its history, and I want it to continue to be right at the heart of what ITV defines in years to come," he continued.
At present, Coronation Street airs two episodes on Mondays and Fridays and a single episode on Wednesdays. As part of the new plan for the soap there will be more room for comedy and increases in staff numbers and studio space.
Coronation Street, which was initially commissioned for 13 episodes, began in December 1960 and is the world's longest-running soap. Attention will now turn to BBC rival EastEnders, to see if it increases its weekly number of shows.
Relationship counsellors are reported to be expecting a spike in client numbers next year.
