Coronation Street star Antony Cotton has hit back at viewers who claim the ITV soap has become overly focused on criminal plots.
The actor, who portrays Sean Tully on the cobbles, addressed the backlash in a recent interview in which he shared his opinions about recent storylines.
Speaking via Smooth Spins Casino, Mr Cotton shared: "I think television on the whole is obsessed with crime, whether that's true crime documentaries, recreation of existing crimes or detective-based dramas."
He argued the show is simply responding to audience demand rather than making arbitrary creative choices.
Antony Cotton has starred as Sean Tully since 2003
|GETTY
"That is indicative of television viewing society, so we are going along with what the viewing public is craving," the soap veteran explained.
Mr Cotton maintained that Coronation Street's direction mirrors broader trends across the broadcasting landscape.
While acknowledging the market is oversaturated with crime content, Cotton suggested this trend won't last indefinitely.
"I do think it's saturated and I think these things come and go. The pendulum swings," he remarked.
Antony Cotton addressed viewer criticism about Coronation Street
|ITV
The actor expressed confidence that viewing habits will eventually shift away from investigative drama.
"At the moment it has swung into crime and investigative drama. I think it will swing back in another direction and we are already seeing that in our show where there's more character-based stuff alongside the policing storytelling," he added.
The actor also emphasised that the Weatherfield-based programme has always provided a platform for strong performers to shine.
"Corrie has always been a great place for character actors and I don't think that will change," the Sean Tully star insisted.
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Antony Cotton made his debut on the ITV soap back in 2003
|PA
When asked about former cast members he would like to see return, Cotton mentioned Sir Ian McKellen and Mel Hutchwright among his choices.
However, the actor made clear he prefers looking forward rather than dwelling on the past.
"But these things are of the time and those times are gone so we mustn't live in the past. I'm more interested in who's new coming in," Cotton said.
He singled out his close friend Tony Maudsley, who plays undertaker George Shuttleworth, as a particular favourite.
Antony Cotton heaped praise on Amy Robbins
|ITV
Mr Cotton also heaped praise on Amy Robbins, who portrays George Shuttleworth's (Tony Maudsley) new girlfriend, comparing her arrival to when Catherine Kelly first appeared as Becky.
"When somebody comes in fully formed like that I love watching it," he explained, adding: "I honestly think that about Amy Robbins as well."
Meanwhile, Coronation Street viewers face significant schedule upheaval over the coming weeks due to FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage.
ITV has confirmed a series of extended episodes to compensate for missed broadcasts, with hour-long editions scheduled for Friday, June 12, Monday, June 16 and Tuesday, June 16.
ITV addressed the disruption on social media, reminding audiences that episodes remain available from 7am on ITVX and YouTube.
The broadcaster previously moved both Coronation Street and Emmerdale to 30-minute formats permanently after research indicated viewers favoured shorter, more digestible instalments.