Coronation Street hit with almost 300 Ofcom complaints over Evelyn Plummer therapy comment

The explosive storyline has seen schoolgirl Hope (played by Amelia Flanagan) recently setting fire to Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall) and Alina Pop’s (Ruxandra Porojnicu) flat. A pregnant Alina was in the flat alone, sleeping. She got out safely but lost the baby, leaving her and Tyrone devastated. The Coronation Street youngster started the fire to get back at Alina and to try to get her dad Tyrone to move back into the family home, leaving her family very concerned about her behaviour. The ITV soap saw a total of 275 complaints from angered viewers after a recent episode saw Tyrone’s grandmother Evelyn (Maureen Lipman) making remarks about “play therapy”.

The instalment of the soap saw Fiz Stape (Jennie McAlpine) spend a night in a police cell after trying to take the blame for the fire to protect her daughter.

Evelyn urged her grandson to take a tougher approach with Hope, suggesting the youngster needs professional help.

During the conversation, she stated: “She’s had play therapy, touchy, feely rubbish, new age, but she needs something long-term. Teach her right from wrong.” But many viewers branded this comment offensive and have complained to TV regulation watchdog Ofcom.

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The scene caused a backlash of almost 300 complaints, and it isn’t the first time the character has sparked a negative reaction from viewers.

In November last year, 60 Ofcom complaints were made after Evelyn talked about Gemma Winter’s (Dolly-Rose Campbell) quadruplets.

She said at the time: “You can’t move for twins and triplets these days.

“At least she did it the old-fashioned way and not through, what is it? IVF.”

These complaints outnumber that of fellow ITV shows Love Island and Emmerdale.

The Hope storyline has seen Fiz and Tyrone initially in denial about their daughter’s behavioural issues, but the pair are now seeking help.

Hope appeared in youth court in a recent episode and was told she could remain at home for the time being, much to the relief of her family.

Unbeknownst to Alina, Tyrone and Fiz ended up kissing after sharing the ordeal of their daughter’s upcoming court case last week.

source: express.co.uk