Sean and Marcus, Sophie and Sian - Corrie's courage.

I wrote about the sensitive and compassionate way in which Coronation Street is tackling Alzheimer's but I'm also so impressed by the way in which gay relationships are presented.I think I'm right in stating that Tod, Eileen's rather cultured, refined son, was the first to be involved in a gay relationship in 2004. Since then of course we have seen Sophie and Sian (with a little input from a rather manipulative Amber)and the truly delightful relationship between Sean and Marcus. They seem to me to be ideally suited and so convincing as both men are such superb actors. Both display real generosity of spirit in their relationship with each other and to other people.

Homophobia and the pejorative way in which some people think they have the right to talk about gay people is a particular bugbear of mine. Many people have the utterly misinformed view that the only aspect of life gay people think about is sex and their sexuality. Such nonsense! Many ignorant people believe that homosexual equals pedophile; again utter nonsense! I believe that Coronation Street has made enormous strides in countering the prejudices people have felt, without thinking, about gay people.

Coronation Street is so much more than a soap opera - it should never be dismissed as just a soap opera. Tony Warren, the show's creator and a gay man must be so proud to see his creation making such terrific progress in shifting attitudes towards gay people.