An episode of Coronation street which was shown on Easter Sunday has caused controversy and has seen viewers complain to Ofcom over what was seen by many as an ‘attack’ on Christianity.

The storyline in the episode depicted Ken Barlow saying that the Christian faith targetted “vulnerable people”. Ken also said his grandson Simon’s school was “indoctrinating” him with regard to Christianity and Ken ranted that he would tell Simon “the truth” about religion.

ITV’s message boards and forums have since been inundated by posts from viewers who deemed the episode’s content “completely unacceptable”…

An ITV spokesperson responded to the criticism saying, “Coronation Street is a soap opera set in modern society and therefore represents views from all side of the religious spectrum.

“At the moment we have a very positive story involving Sophie Webster and her new found interest in religion, Emily Bishop has also always been seen as a very positive representation of Christianity.

“Likewise Ken Barlow’s different views on religion have always been a strong aspect of his character”.

Further criticism is sure to follow as it was revealed last week that the show’s writers intend to have Sophie Webster begin a lesbian relationship with a girl from her Bible study group.