This is the moment Corrie's Todd Grimshaw snogs a gay nurse in the upcoming storyline which is causing controversy in the tabloids.

Todd falls for nurse Karl Foster in a scene filmed in Manchester’s gay village.

The bold storyline is set to explore Todd's growing confusion over his sexuality as he prepares to marry pregnant lover Sarah Platt.

But rather than embracing the show's decision to confront such an important issue, some media outlets are calling for a clampdown on the romantic scenes.

John Beyer, director of Media Watch UK, said: “This will cause offence. This scene seems to be calculated as a ratings ploy.”

However, Corrie spokeswoman Alison Sinclair is standing firm against the backlash, arguing that gay relationships are as important as heterosexual ones in our progressive society.

She argues, "If people are alienated by these scenes in 2004 then there's something wrong.

"It's a soap opera and reflects what's going on in the world. It goes no further than Coronation Street has gone before.

"There's no difference between Karl and Todd kissing and a kiss between Todd and Sarah.

"It's nothing to do with the supposed ratings war. This storyline has been in the pipeline for two years. It's to do with what Coronation Street does best - exploring human relationships.

David Allison, of pressure group Outrage, said: “Gay people are too often portrayed as limp-wristed, handbag-swinging poofs. This is a great step forward.”

Confused Todd 20 - played by actor Bruno Langley -  first questioned his sexuality last year when he kissed Sarah’s brother Nick.  This new affair with  will break the heart of Todd’s pregnant lover Sarah, played by Tina O’Brien, 20.

The scene will be shown on ITV1 on 12 April at 7.30pm.