A FORMER Bishop of Durham has condemned a Coronation Street rape storyline.

The Right Reverend David Jenkins, who now lives in Cotherstone, near Barnard Castle, described the story as "shocking, pathetic and obscene".

The rape of Toyah Battersby was shown in an extended episode of the soap on Friday in an effort to boost ratings.

Dr Jenkins said he was speaking out against the storyline on behalf of the silent majority of "decent viewers".

He said: "If this story continues, the only hope is that viewers will switch off to show there are limits.

"Once TV reaches the point of trying to see who can be more shocking, it is clearly going over the top.

"Yet the further they go over the top the more boring and disgusting it gets. It's sad, but it could wake-up everyone to reject it."

Dr Jenkins, who said his comments were not made because the episode was shown on Good Friday, said: "I rarely watch soaps and would hate to see them regulated by legislation, but this storyline is not only shocking and pathetic, but also obscene."

Former Coronation Street stalwart, Jean Alexander, who played Hilda Ogden, also criticised the storyline for spoiling the show's atmosphere.

She said: "Children watch the show and rape is no fit subject for youngsters. It's just not necessary.

Granada TV bosses said the reaction of viewers would determine how long the story will run, which could include the character's lengthy recovery and a possible court case.