Coronation Street

ITV has been found in breach of the Broadcasting Code for use of the word '*******' in three episodes of 'Coronation Street'.

All three incidences of the word went out at 7.30pm in October, and were used during a storyline where Frankie, the wife of one of the major characters, Danny Baldwin, found out that he was having an affair with his son's girlfriend.

On that occasion, Frankie called Danny "a *******" and on two other occasions Danny's ex-wife, Carol, described Danny as being a "*******" as well as calling him a ******* to his face.

In total, 39 people complained about the use of the word. ITV defended the use, saying that it was an "intensely emotional storyline" and that the use of the word was entirely justified.

The first incident where the B-word was used was broadcast on October 3 and went out with a pre-transmission announcement warning people that there would be "strong emotions and language".

However, Ofcom found that, while dramatically realistic, ITV had breached the Broadcasting Code rule on offensive language.

"While dramatically the use of this language may be plausible, the audience and the viewing environment is an important factor when assessing the suitability of offensive language.

"We concluded that the use of the word '*******' in three episodes during a two-week period went beyond occasional use in a drama that appeals to a wide-ranging audience including a significant number of children," Ofcom said.

with regard to ernest's killer returning to the street I hope they cast an actor who was actually old enough to be robbing warehouses 28 years ago, he would have to be at least 46 years old (18 years old when he did it)

anyway I thought ernest was accidentally shot when mike came into the room and hit the gunman with the door, he then accidentally fired the gun (I was only 8 when this episode was transmitted so my memory may be a bit foggy)

anybody know how old the robbers were in the 1978 episode?

I hope so too. I wasnt even born when this episode was shown, but have seen it on Plus and its also on the 70s DVD box set.

From the credits of that episode the robbers were called Dave (played by Tony McHale) and Tommo (played by Dave Parke). Tommo was the one who fired the shot. Id say Tommo looks early to mid 20s and Dave looks about Mid 20s. Actor Chris Walker who will play the role is 41 apparently so I dont think he is old enough really but I dont expect they think people will notice 28 years later.

Has anyone else made this connection?

Phil's surname is Nail.

So if he and Gail get married, she'll be.......... Gail Nail !!!

A lazy comedy element...like when Tricia married that Aussie bloke in Emmerdale and became Tricia Fisher.

The Emily Bishop storyline sounds very good indeed, it'll be good to see some of the more serious acting from Eileen Derbyshire - but why they had to change Tommo's name to Ed though, I'll never know.

I'm starting to feel sorry for poor old Mike.

The storyline with Ed and Emily has been good so far, when he gave her a lift home and he was looking around the street he clearly recognised the street. Its nice to see Rita involved as well. As to why they have given him a different name, maybe he wanted to change it or was forced to change it to hide his identity, although it more likely they the script writers and storyliners havent researched properly again.

The scenes with Penny, Mike and the other Baldwins were very good last night as well.

What has the bloke who plays Ed been in before. I recognise him, but just can't place him. Think he played a copper in something!

He was in Mersey Beat. He has also been in Corrie before, in 1997 as Ray Thorpe, the bloke Tricia left with.

Mike's not feeling himself at the moment, nok32uk!

I sort of get your humour.....i think.

Anyway, again...a sad ending to the Christmas Day special.