‘Coronation Street’ Pre-Watershed Heroin Scene Sparks Ofcom Complaints

After weeks of abusing methadone, Billy took the drug for the first time.

The latest instalment of ‘Coronation Street’ sparked more than 80 complaints to Ofcom, from viewers who were unhappy with Billy Mayhew’s descent into heroin addiction.

The episode, which aired on Monday (26 February), saw Billy take the drug for the first time, with his brother Lee, after weeks of abusing methadone.

And while the pair were not shown taking the heroin, one scene saw them slumped against the pews in church after doing so:

Oh Billy, what have you done? 😱#Corrie #CoronationStreet #Billy #Summer pic.twitter.com/QMuSzpnHZ7

— Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) February 26, 2018

The scenes were shown during the latter half of the night’s second episode, which aired on ITV from 8.30pm to 9pm.

Ofcom has now confirmed that 84 people have made official complaints and, as is standard procedure, they’ll be assessing the complaints before deciding whether to investigate.

Many fans also took to Twitter, with mixed views on the storyline:

2 weeks ago Billy took his first painkiller. Today he’s on the heroin. He should’ve listened to The Verve. #corrie #Corrie #CoronationStreet

— Andy (@andytamworth) February 26, 2018

My Mum has been whatsapp ranting about heroin and lapdancing in Corrie. I haven't the faintest idea what's going on but apparently she's stopping watching after 50 years 😯 pic.twitter.com/d3eTbdhRS7

— Graeme (@GraemeN82) February 26, 2018

Oh my, Billy doing heroin in church now. Said it once & will say again @itvcorrie - ease up on the heavy storylines it's too depressing! #corrie

— ruth62 (@ruth62) February 26, 2018

Are they seriously showing Billy off his face on heroin before the watershed?! #corrie

— Jσѕιє ❤ (@tacksf0rsnacks_) February 26, 2018

I don't know how people can say #corrie is promoting heroin use. After tonights episode, the thought of even looking at a drug makes me sick. It wasn't an advert, it was a disturbing scene intended to disgust, shock and raise awareness about addiction.

— Make-Up Artistry🌿 (@sarahtimpanymua) February 26, 2018

While it’s highlighting an issue I’m so annoyed that @Coronation_St has taken the Heroin route for a storyline! #corrie pic.twitter.com/fVyniXyKgV

— Drren (@dirrtydazza) February 26, 2018

Often wondered why/how people get addicted to heroin,so scene between #Billy & dealer in #Corrie important to see. One of losing perspective

— Jacqui (@jacquicotter) February 19, 2018

Just watched Corrie. Can't believe how low Billy has got. The vicar taking heroin in church, whatever next? N they say eastenders is all doom n gloom!

— Kerry (@Kerry27533831) February 26, 2018

As an ex addict, the end of #corrie with billy and lee was absolutely horrible to watch. Horrible.

— Julia👸🏻🌙 (@xocoughsyrupxo) February 26, 2018

In response, a ‘Coronation Street’ spokesperson told The Sun: “‘Coronation Street’ has a strong tradition of tackling serious contemporary issues in a responsible way.

“In upcoming episodes we will be showing the very negative side of drug taking as Billy’s life starts to fall apart.”

In the past two years, ‘Corrie’ has tackled a number of dark storylines and the fallout from Bethany Platt’s grooming storyline is still ongoing.

Pat Phelan’s murderous ways have also seen the soap take plenty of grisly twists and turns, with one episode - that featured a double murder - dividing fans and sparking complaints.

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