When Alya (played by Sair Khan) joined Aidan Connor (Shayne Ward) for a business meeting with potential new clients Justin and Dale Parker, she was subjected to a tirade of racist remarks.
The pair initially believed Dale and Justin did not want to speak to her because she’s a woman but it later became clear they had an issue with the colour of her skin.
After Alya asked for a lime soda as Aidan headed to The Bistro bar, Dale commented: “Don’t you drink love? Your kind are so boring.”
Despite the businesswoman looking stunned by his remark, he continued: “Lighten up will you. Oh I’m sorry, you can’t, you’re stuck that colour.”
Alya hit back: “Does the colour of my skin bother you?” as Aidan and Justin returned to the table with drinks.
A furious Aidan insisted that the meeting was over and told the men to leave but Alya later told him they needed their business.
Following the scenes, viewers took to Twitter to comment on the “disgusting” remarks, with some praising the soap for tackling racism.
One viewer tweeted: “#corrie OMG Can’t believe my ears. Totally shocked.”
While another added: “Did I just hear him right… Jesus that was uncalled for!!! #Corrie is getting brave with these storylines.”
“There is absolutely no need for that kind of racist behaviour. I’m disgusted with you #corrie,” a third continued.
Someone else shared: “@itvcorrie ‘With scenes of racial abuse and language some viewers may find upsetting’ aren’t words I expect to hear before #corrie starts, but blimey, you were right. That line made me shudder. Brave scriptwriting to raise awareness that these cretins still exist.”
Coronation Street continues Friday on ITV at 7.30pm.
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