Soaps

Ofcom reveals most complained-about soap plot of 2018

We'll give you a clue... It was one of Emmerdale's storylines!

Soap storylines this year have included some of the most shocking in history…

Who could forget David Platt’s hideous sexual assault in Coronation Street, or Pat Phelan’s murderous rampage?

Or Emmerdale’s historic rape trial between Charity and DI Mark Bails, and Joe Tate’s sickening murder?

David broke down after being raped in disturbing scenes (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Emmerdale SPOILER: Mandy and Chas Dingle to be exposed as SISTERS?

EastEnders’ Stuart Highway anyone? Nuff said.

But which plot line ruffled the most feathers? Ofcom have revealed that Ross Barton’s acid attack was the most complained about soap storyline of the year, with 366 people calling in to register their concern.

In February, Emmerdale fans saw Ross’ life left in ruins when he became the victim of a horrifying acid attack.

366 viewers complained about Ross’ acid attack (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Emmerdale fans mock blundering cops’ latest fail as Robert Sugden is arrested

Lucky to survive but badly disfigured on his face, we saw Ross battle his demons, before spiralling into drug addiction, and eventually leaving for a happier life with girlfriend Rebecca White.

But that wasn’t the only Emmerdale storyline to cause offence, as the ITV soap also got 116 complaints when Lachlan White murdered Gerry Roberts.

But it was David Platt’s rape and disturbing aftermath in Coronation Street that was the second most complained about soap storyline, getting 214 complaints.

Coronation Street Billy Mayhew heroin church
God wasn’t happy, and nor were some ITV viewers (Credit: ITV)

Corrie also got 211 complaints when vicar Billy Mayhew injected himself with heroin in church.

Unsurprisingly, a certain murderous menace called Pat Phelan featured in the top list of complaints, too.

Ninety-five people complained when Pat murdered Luke Britton.

He’s behiiiiind you… (Credit: ITV)

In total, Corrie got 1,098 complaints and Emmerdale got 759.

Some of you might be wondering why EastEnders doesn’t feature on the list.

After all, ED! reported in September that fans had complained to Ofcom over the “sick” storyline showing Mick Carter framed as a paedophile.

However, there’s a reason that EastEnders isn’t listed… It is because Ofcom only get involved with BBC shows after the channel has completed its own complaints process.

Mick’s treatment in jail prompted complaints from viewers (Credit: BBC)

The TV show that provoked the most complaints was Celebrity Big Brother, with 27,602 complaints – 25,327 of those were related to the incident involving Roxanne Pallett and Ryan Thomas.

Loose Women, Sky News, Love Island, Good Morning Britain, This Morning, The X Factor and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! all featured in the top 10 list of most complained about shows.

What soap moment shocked you the most this year? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!


Helen Fear
TV Editor

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