The two ITV soaps have come together with a message for fans
Coronation Street and Emmerdale(Image: ITV)
Coronation Street and Emmerdale have joined together to issue a statement as they revealed how their shows and their stars have been the subject of fake posts online.
Both ITV soaps have said that AI-generated Facebook pages are posting “fake news” about what is happening in the long-running programmes and about its actors.
The full statement shared on Facebook on Tuesday (June 9) read: “It has been brought to our attention that a lot of AI generated Facebook pages are posting fake news about Emmerdale and Coronation Street actors and the programmes in general.
Click here to sign up for more Coronation Street updates in our newsletter
“Some of these posts are extremely hurtful and damaging to reputations.” The message added: “Please only follow genuine news outlets and feel free to report those you think are fake via the usual methods.”
Back in October, Corrie star Jane Danson was among those to speak out, as she called out ‘pathetic’ rumours about her future on the show circulating online. The actress, famed for playing Leanne Battersby in the ITV soap, called for a Facebook group to ‘stop making up stories and quoting cast members saying things that haven’t been said.’
She added: “Apparently I’ve been axed from the show and have a written a letter to say how upset I am. First of all, if I have been ‘axed’ surely I would have been told? Had almost 30 years of people feeling the need to say what they want or making up stories and I’ve never bitten back but I’ve had enough of reading absolute c***. Just stop it, it’s pathetic.” She added: “And please stop believing the 99 per cent nonsense these sites keep spinning. It can be so damaging and it’s really unkind. Think before you type.”
Corrie star Jane Danson has previously responded to being victim of the fake soap updates(Image: ITV)
The comments section of Jane’s post saw her Corrie co-stars rushing to support and commend her for speaking about the false stories. David Platt actor Jack P. Shepherd said: “I was dead online the other day Jane,” while on-screen sister Georgia Taylor, who plays Toyah Battersby, replied: “Amen to that, sis.”
Jane’s husband, fellow actor Robert Beck, joked: “Ah s*** … this not true ? I’ve just listed the house on Rightmove,” while Jonathan Harvey, who has written episodes of Coronation Street for more than 20 years, commented: “Every single post I write COMPLETE B******* under. So unnecessary and hurtful.”
It is also not the first time the Manchester and Leeds-based soaps have come together to speak out on issues such as this. Last January, they issued a joint statement after becoming increasingly aware of their fans being targeted by scam artists acting as a member of their respective cast members.
Taking to Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter, both ITV programmes shared a statement in which they have asked viewers and fans to ‘please be aware’ as they have spoken out on scammers using their stars’ identities online and informed them of the ‘legitimate’ way of meeting cast members of either soap.
“Please be aware that actor from both Coronation Street and Emmerdale are currently being impersonated by scammers across all social media platforms,” the message started.
It went on to read: “No cast member will ever directly request money for messages, meetings, or any kind of personal interaction on social media. We are aware these sophisticated impersonations can include deep-fake footage (where it appears to be the actor talking but isn’t) and personal messages which seem to be realistic and in character.
“We urge everybody to be vigilant. Please report any concern to the relevant platform. The legitimate way of meeting with real members of the cast is via official ‘meet and greet’ events run by ITV Star Tours.”