'Coronation Street' has too much crime, says Phil Collinson

Coronation Street boss Phil Collinson has admitted that there have been too many criminals on the soap.

The producer of the ITV1 programme, which has recently been criticised over some of its storylines, said that they are going to cut down on crime in the future.

In an interview with OK magazine, he defended actress Michelle Collins who, as Rovers Return landlady Stella Price, has been attacked over her northern accent.

He also responded to criticism over a supposed influx of gay storylines, saying: "I haven't introduced any gay characters."

However, Collinson admitted that there is some room for improvement on the long-running show.

Asked whether there were too many criminals in Coronation Street, he replied: "Maybe I can take that one on the chin. I agree… we have been at the police station and the court room a little bit too much.

"As we move ahead, we will shift away from serial killers and crime storylines."

Recent killers have included psychopath John Stape and murderer Tony Gordon.

Former castmember Johnny Briggs recently said that the soap has become "boring and humourless".

Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh has dismissed rumours of a ratings crisis at the soap, describing recent press reports as "incorrect".