Coronation Streets Jack P Shepherd signs new deal for TWENTIETH year on the show

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CORONATION Street star Jack P. Shepherd will toast two decades in the soap after putting pen to paper on a contract extension.

Jack, 31, who has made a series of arty and dark short films away from the cobbles, has delighted bosses by signing for another 12 months and will be around for another major landmark the soaps 60th birthday.

Jack has signed an extension on his contract to remain on the soap for another year

The David Platt star is acknowledged as one of the soaps most talented actors and would be in demand from TV firms if he quit.

A source revealed: “Jack is a very good actor and the executives are delighted hes on board for another year. Hes one of the best theyve got.

“They are planning a dramatic episode for the soaps 60th birthday and need people with the talent of Jack to lift the performances of the rest of the cast.”

He first appeared on screen in April 2000 and is now one of the highest earners on the ITV show thanks to his performances as David.

David’s harrowing last few years have shown Jack to be one of the soap’s top acting talents

His moving portrayal of a rape victim now means he earns more than 200,000-a-year, putting him up there with veterans such as Bill Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since 1960.

In recent years, the soap has seen stars like Ryan Thomas and Michelle Keegan leave to increase their earning potential, as Street actors are not allowed to take on deals advertising products for firms.

So bosses were desperate to keep Jack.

Last year he hinted that Davids controversial male rape storyline could bring the curtain down on his career in the show.

He has starred in the soap since 1998
Little Jack made his debut as a ten year old

The actor has received praise from fans and victims groups over his portrayal of the harrowing plotline.

But the Leeds-born star has talked about whether David must eventually leave Weatherfield to get over the trauma of the attack raising questions about Jacks future in the show.

In a previous interview dad-of-three Jack was asked if he thought the sex attack would affect David for the rest of his life.

He revealed: “Ive been in the show for years now and played every single storyline you could possibly play.

“Ultimately in soaps I think if it does change the character then you must see what you want from the character. Do you want David Platt to change and if so why? If he does change, does he eventually have to leave?

“After a while the character must come to terms with what has happened to them and move on, then you can live out other stories. If they dont, then what do they do?

“Will they be depressed or do they leave? It comes down to that really. David has been through a lot, hes a resilient character. Hes had numerous people trying to kill him before and his wife died, so there are things that hes got over and come out the other side.”