Coronation Street bosses issue warning over homophobic remarks

Coronation Street bosses have issued a warning to cast and crew after homophobic remarks were heard on the soap’s set.

The Sunday Mirror reports that posters have been placed around the studio warning against anti-gay language.

Antony Cotton, who has played Sean Tully since 2004, is believed to be at the centre of the remarks, however he has not lodged a complaint himself.

The memo reads: “We have just been made aware of ­several recent instances of homophobic remarks being made on the studio floor.

“We are sure the vast majority of people working on Coronation Street find such behaviour unacceptable.

“But we’d like to make it absolutely clear that this is completely unacceptable. ITV has a bullying and harassment policy which clearly states that such behaviour may lead to disciplinary proceedings.”

Senior producers Kieran ­Roberts, Stuart Blackburn and Robbie Sandison, have all signed the notice.

The fact people are making homophobic jokes on set is unacceptable. And what makes this even more worrying is it seems this was not an isolated incident.

It seems certain people were starting to make some really crude comments and that a nasty culture was developing. Cast and crew alike have been left in no doubt that anyone who continues to use homophobic language will be severely disciplined. – Coronation Street source

A Coronation Street spokeswoman added: “ITV takes the feelings of all employees extremely seriously. It was felt that this message should be put up as a reminder to everybody.”