Corrie 'slap' complaints

Hundreds of viewers offended by scene on the show...

10:43 19 January 2012

Hundreds of Coronation Street viewers have complained after Monday evening's episode showed scenes of a child being smacked by her motherÂ’s partner.

The episode, which attracted 9.5million viewers, showed builder, Owen Armstrong, smacking his girlfriends adopted daughter, Faye, across her legs as she winced in pain.

Armstrong lost his temper after he realised Faye had deliberately poisoned his fish. The scene led to a number of complaints to Ofcom and ITV.

However, hundreds took to social networking website, Twitter, to express their feelings towards the producers.

One fan of the show posted:

"DonÂ’t think it should have been shown. Not necessary in this life today. No need for it."

However, some did not see what all the fuss was about, posting:

"'Hundreds complainÂ’ over CorrieÂ’s smacking scene. Get a grip!"

As of 2005, it was deemed illegal to use excessive force which causes marks but parents are legally allowed to smack their children.

A spokesperson from ITV said:

"The episode and subsequent episodes do not condone the slap and it has far reaching ramifications for the character of Owen.

"That said we have no problem with sparking a healthy debate on this issue."

A spokesperson for Coronation Street added:

"We most certainly don’t condone Owen’s actions – as will be seen by the ramifications of the slap, and the effect it has on his relationship."