Coronation Street has stirred up a fresh dose of viewer backlash after airing a steamy scene that some fans branded a step too far for the soap’s traditional 7:30pm time slot.
According to Ofcom, the episode broadcast on August 29 sparked 55 complaints from viewers who were apparently less than thrilled with what played out on screen.
While the media regulator hasn’t specified the nature of the complaints just yet, it’s safe to say the drama unfolding between Carl Webster and footballer James Bailey didn’t go unnoticed.
In the recent scenes, Carl, played by newcomer Jonathan Howard, hooks up with James following a flirtatious build-up. After some heavy flirting, the pair end up in bed together, with Carl seen parading around in nothing but a towel and James shirtless in bed after their romantic encounter.
For some viewers, the scene was just another juicy moment in a soap known for its long-running love triangles and fiery fallouts. But for others, was it too much?
Carl is the brother of Kevin Webster and recently arrived on the cobbles after being referenced in storylines for years. But he’s wasted no time making his presence felt, causing chaos left, right, and centre. Most notably, he’s been having an affair with Abi Webster, Kevin’s wife.
Carl also got himself into a sticky situation with Tracy Barlow in recent weeks. Tracy, never one to shy away from stirring the pot, made it clear she was interested in him.
Despite her advances, he decided staying involved with Tracy would be a dangerous move, opting instead for a less complicated connection with James.
While Abi and Kevin took their son Jack on a family holiday to try and patch things up, Carl found alternative ways to keep himself entertained. And when James, fresh from a breakup with his partner Danny, crossed his path, one thing led to another.
While some fans applaud the soap for pushing boundaries and embracing more inclusive storylines, others branded it inappropriate and not suitable for younger audiences, given the time slot the show airs. It’s not yet known whether Ofcom will launch a formal investigation, but this certainly isn’t Corrie’s first brush with the regulator this year.
Back in July, viewers also raised concerns over another explosive episode that featured the violent return of villain Mick Michaelis. After breaking out of prison, Mick launched a brutal attack on Kit Green, his former best mate and a police officer, leaving Kit fighting for his life in hospital.
Things escalated further when Mick later threatened Sally Metcalfe during a tense standoff while trying to find his children. Social media lit up with criticism, and a wave of viewers vowed to take their concerns to Ofcom, many of whom seemingly followed through.
It’s clear that Coronation Street’s recent plot twists are dividing opinion. Some long-time fans may feel the show has taken a darker, more explicit turn that doesn’t quite match its roots as a family-friendly soap.
Others may argue the show is simply evolving with the times, tackling modern relationships, sexuality, and high-stakes drama in a way that keeps things fresh after more than 60 years on air.
Metro reached out to Coronation Street for comment regarding the complaints, but did not receive a response.
Whether or not Ofcom chooses to investigate, it’s clear the episode struck a nerve, and not for the first time. Coronation Street continues to walk the fine line between shaking things up and keeping long-term fans on board.
