They are known for their hard-hitting storylines.
But viewers were left appalled at Coronation Street on Wednesday night as they watched Underworld trainee manager Alya Nazir suffer a barrage of racist abuse.
The controversial subject sparked a huge debate from fans on Twitter, with some praising the soap for bringing the issue to light while others slammed the decision to air the ‘disgusting’ racism pre watershed.
Horrible: Viewers were left appalled at Coronation Street on Wednesday night as they watched Underworld trainee manager Alya Nazir suffer a barrage of racist abuse
In shocking scenes, Alya was subjected to a tirade of racist slurs as she sat down for a meeting with two businessmen, Justin and Dale Parker.
A bigoted Dale told her to ‘Lighten up will you? Oh you can’t you’re still that colour’ after labeling her ‘boring’ for not having an alcoholic drink.
A stunned Alya hit back: ‘Does the colour of my skin bother you?’ as Aidan and Justin returned to the table with drinks.
Enraged, Aidan told the men to leave but Alya later insisted they needed to ‘grin and bear’ the racists.
She said: It’s not the first time I’ve met blokes like that…. we need their business.’
Drama on the cobbles: In shocking scenes, Alya was subjected to a tirade of racist slurs as she sat down for a meeting with two businessmen, Justin and Dale Parker
The show sent out a warning message before the episode aired, saying there would be ‘scenes of racial abuse and language that some viewers may find upsetting’.
Fans took to Twitter following the harrowing scenes.
One wrote: ‘Omg Cant believe my ears (sic). Totally shocked.’
While another added: ‘Corrie is a bit brutal tonight, how can ITV even think that’s OK to air?’
‘Does disgusting racism like that really need ‘highlighting’? We know it happens and it shouldn’t really don’t see why it’s suitable for prime time TV,’ another said.
Hard-hitting: The controversial subject sparked a huge debate from viewers on Twitter, with some slamming the decision to air the ‘disgusting’ racism pre watershed
However some viewers praised Coronation Street for tackling such a difficult storyline.
One wrote: ‘It’s a sensitive subject, but Corrie are tackling a subject that still happens in the UK. Racism is absolutely disgusting, anywhere in the world.’
Another applauded ITV bosses for highlighting the issue, adding: ‘I think as a nation we underestimate the impact a soap can have on an individual. The fact that corrie have touched on real issues, such as racism and Rana & Kate. Is a big step forward to changing individuals perspectives.’
Coronation Street continues on Friday at 7.30pm.
Support: However some viewers praised Coronation Street for tackling such a difficult storyline