Coronation Street defends childhood cancer storyline after viewers label it 'disgusting'

Viewers have described Hope Stape's speedy remission as 'an insult to families coping with the reality of cancer'

Hope's family gather around her hospital bed in Coronation Street (Rex Features)

Coronation Street producers have defended a recent cancer storyline after it came under criticism from viewers for being “offensively” unrealistic.

Character Hope Stape, 5, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in an episode late last year, leading to initial praise for highlight the issue of childhood cancer.

However, last Friday’s episode saw Hope’s parents Fiz and Tyrone celebrate the news that she was in remission after only a couple of months’ treatment.

Viewers reacted angrily to this plot development, branding the storyline “soft” and accusing the ITV soap of “trivialising” an often fatal condition.

In reality, the NHS states that neuroblastoma affects 100 children a year on average, with a 67 per cent survival rate.

Viewers with personal experience of neuroblastoma have branded the show’s treatment of the aggressive disease a “farce”. Rob and Victoria Young, whose three-year-old daughter Ruby is a sufferer, wrote a message on their daughter’s fundraising page describing their “disgust”.

“I was so pleased when I heard Coronation Street were doing a storyline on neuroblastoma to raise much needed awareness but the whole thing has been a farce,” the post, first noted by The Sun, read. “Not only am I disappointed in this storyline, I am disgusted and offended that they have made it look like a walk in the park.”

Hope's parents hear the good news that her cancer is in remission (ITV)

Others soon commented, calling the storyline “pathetic” and “an insult to families coping with the reality of cancer”.

Coronation Street has issued a statement reading: “We have not at any stage said Hope is not cured at all. This is an ongoing story which has been researched throughout.”