May 2, 2011
Coronation Street criticised for having too many gay characters
Ex-stars have criticised the potential arrival of another gay couple on the cobbles, alongside the current lesbian and gay characters.
Reacting to the rumours that the character of Todd Grimshaw (played by Bruno Langley) may return permanently to the soap with his boyfriend, several former cast members have said that the show’s portrayal is unrealistic. Coronation Street is currently home to teenage couple, Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent) and Sian Powers (Sacha Parkinson), who have become very popular since their relationship began last year. Gay character, Sean Tully (Anthony Cotton), also lives on the cobbles, soon to be joined by his returning boyfriend, Marcus Dent (Charlie Condou). The reoccurring character of James Cunningham (James Roache) is also gay. Hayley Cropper (Julie Hesmondhalgh) joined the soap in 1998 as soap’s first permanent transsexual character and has gone on to become one of the programme’s most likeable and popular characters.
Speaking to The News of The World, former stalwart, Jean Alexander, who played Hilda Odgen from 1964 to 1987, said, “Every community has people who are gay and they are very nice people. I’m not running the Street down – and let’s not forget its creator Tony Warren is gay – but three couples seems excessive.”
Another former cast member, Nick Cochran, who played Andy McDonald, added, “How many streets in Britain would have schoolgirl lesbians, gay married couples, a transsexual and children to gay couples? It is a little bit far-fetched…Fans love Corrie for its traditional values. I don’t think it’s the right platform to highlight so many gay issues all at the same time.”
However, Ben Summerskill, chief executive of Stonewall, argued that Coronation Street is portraying modern values: “About six per cent of the population is gay – and more in and around cities. So of 66 Corrie characters it’s not in the least inconceivable that more than four might be gay. After all, Weatherfield is a tram ride from Manchester’s large gay village…Corrie picked up Stonewall’s Broadcast of the Year trophy because it’s streets ahead with its gay characters, depicted with the same wit, warmth and drama as all of Weatherfield’s cherished faces.”
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April 15, 2012
\How many streets in Britain would have schoolgirl lesbians, gay married couples, a transsexual and children to gay couples? It is a little bit far-fetched…\
How many streets in Britain would have multiple serial killers, hostage situations and fires, semi-regular baby kidnappings, frequent murders and fatal accidents? It’s a bit disingenuous to criticise it on the grounds of realism now.
Not to mention the fact that I’m sure plenty of real-life streets do have all of those people in one place. Heck, there are coincidentally two gay couples just in my house.
I wonder how many characters are black? If there are only one or two compared to the amount of gay characters, then yes its unrealistic and pandering.
Like here in the states, there are more gay characters on prime TV programs compared to minority characters and population wise we as a whole outnumber homosexuals. So, yes I understand the outcry.
Omg this is getting pathetic..there are more frickin ginger people than gays. Where does it stop? When they have the same amount of women as men? Or when they have the same oldies as youngsters.
Its never going to represent real life, and its not supposed to. Its a soap opera. Im glad they have more gays on there. Its about time. We are part of real life too.
Good on corrie for representing 2011! In Hilda Ogden’s day there were definitely not so many out gay people on one street and even now I can imagine that someone her age would not know how many gay or trans people live in their area.
Corrie is representing gay people but also as someone said what street would ever have so many deaths, weddings or kidnaps. It is a soap opera.
Also, it’s really nice to see a tv show with gay relationships, not just gay people coming out. Good on Sean and Marcus for the gay parenting line…very 2011!!
Although, when poor Marcus got the prod from Sean for being able to look after Dylan but not actually being his Dad, this is the tough reality for many step parents…gay and straight. Leeanne got it the same day and she is married to Peter. Go Corrie!
Too many gays in Corrie now, I am sick to my back teeth of gays in Corrie and the recent transvestite storyline was hysterical initially, until the current episodes with Audrey remarking “Marcia is fun, I would like to see alot more of her” I mean COME ON Audrey is old enough to be my nan and her generation are going to be the MOST disapproving of ridiculous behaviour like that! Get rid of that gay producer he is going to ruin the street that I love!!