The Walking Dead's Andrew Lincoln addresses Lauren Cohan pay dispute: 'I'd be surprised if Maggie wasn't in season 9'

Cohan is seeking an enhanced salary closer to that of two male co-stars, including Lincoln

The Walking Dead star Andrew Lincoln has addressed the gender pay gap dispute which has thrown co-star Lauren Cohan's future with the series into question.

Following the series' cast contract negotiations, it was reported that - with Lincoln and Norman Reedus both locked in for season 9 - Cohan was yet to reach an agreement to return as Maggie having sought an enhanced salary closer to that of her two male co-stars.

AMC later offered her a “modest salary increase in exchange for a long-term contract,” something which Cohan rejected before signing on to star in the pilot of new ABC comedy Whiskey Cavalier sparking exit rumours.

With fans concerned that this may spell the end of Maggie - one of the show's longest-standing characters following the shock death of Carl (Chandler Riggs) - Lincoln told The Independent he'll be surprised if we don't see the character return for the recently-confirmed ninth season.

“Lauren is a good friend and wonderful actress. What she has created with the role of Maggie has had an enormous impact on the world of The Walking Dead. I would be surprised if Maggie Rhee wasn’t leading from the front as she always has done next season. That is, of course, if she and Rick make it through the next four episodes.”

Andrew Lincoln told The Independent:

Following the dispute, Cohan found support in Khary Payton - who plays King Ezekiel - who “implored” AMC to hand the actor her desired salary increase

Lincoln spoke to The Independent about his most recent role - narrator of Harry Potter audiobook Quidditch Through the Ages. You can read the full interview here.

Quidditch Through the Ages is available to own globally now at audible.co.uk/quidditch. The Walking Dead season 8 continues on AMC every Sunday with the UK premiere arriving the next evening on FOX as well as being available to stream on NOW TV.

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