Coronation Street risks Ofcom investigation after double murder scene draws nearly 400 complaints

Viewers said they felt the episode of the ITV soap 'overstepped the mark'
Violent scenes: Pat Phelan (left) intimidates Andy Carver into shooting Vinny Ashford
ITV
Aime Grant Cumberbatch30 October 2017

Coronation Street may face an Ofcom investigation after a double murder scene in a recent episode drew almost 400 complaints.

The programme, which aired last Friday, saw the brutal double murder of Andy Craver and Vinny Ashford at the hands of tormentor Pat Phelan.

Three hundred and ninety viewers lodged complaints with the broadcasting regulator.

A spokesperson for Ofcom said: “We will assess these complaints before deciding whether or not to investigate”.

Corrie viewers watched as tyrant Pat Phelan forced Carver to shoot Ashford, before the villain then turned the gun on Carver.

Broadcaster ITV had aired warnings that the episode of the soap would contain violent scenes, but some viewers still felt the show had "overstepped the mark."

On social media fans of the soap shared their "discomfort" at the episode, with one commenting: “@itvcorrie End the Phelan story now before Ofcom dies crime and murder should never be seen as a right, Corrie has well and truly overstepped the mark [sic]”.

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Another wrote: “Is this really pre watershed viewing? Kidnap, intimidation, threat of murder and rape. #Corrie”.

A spokesman for Coronation Street told The Metro that Phelan's actions should not have come as a surprise to viewers.

“Coronation Street has always been recognised for its mix of drama and comedy, as well as hard hitting storylines. Phelan has already been established as a villain in a long line of murderous Coronation Street villains and so his actions, evil though they are, won’t have come as a surprise to viewers.

“In addition the programme is always careful to limit the level of violence actually shown to a minimum to convey the drama and tell the story. And, of course, one day, Phelan will get his comeuppance and justice will be done,” the spokesman said.

Coronation Street continues Monday, October 30 at 7.30pm on ITV.

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