Coronation Street creators are set to introduce a new gay character following the shocking death of character Rana Habeeb last Wednesday.
The tragic death saw Rana, played by actress Bhavna Limbachia, pass away in fiancée Kate's arms after being crushed to death following a factory roof collapse.
However while many fans rushed to Twitter to praise bosses for the heart-wrenching scenes, there was also plenty of backlash by the LGBT fanbase, who slammed bosses for killing off a lesbian character before the soap's first gay wedding.
Stunning: Some viewers were left outraged after the tragic death of character Rana Habeeb played by actress Bhavna Limbachia
Following the backlash, The Sun has now revealed the show's producers are in the process of bringing new gay character and football star Kai to the cobbled streets of Weatherfield.
A source told the paper: 'Corrie has had strong LGBT characters for a long time but viewers were left devastated when they killed off Rana just before she tied the knot.
'They’re now hunting for a new gay character called Kai, and held auditions last week.'
The dramatic scenes last week saw Rana return to the factory to fetch the weddings rings, as fellow bride Kate, played by Faye Brookes, waited patiently at the venue for her wife-to-be.
A little smooch: The tragic scene saw Rana pass away in fiancé Kate's arms after being crushed to death
Heart-wrenching: Rana was crushed to death following the Underworld factory roof collapse
It was then revealed that Rana was trapped under the rubble, and made a desperate phonecall to Kate for help.
While paramedics managed to reach Rana, she asked doctor Ali to break the news to Kate that she might not survive.
After Kate wept at the chance she may never see her wife-to-be again, she decided to try and save her and ran into the factory rubble.
In scenes that left viewers on the brink of tears, Kate and Rana recited their wedding vows to each other and exchanged rings, before the nurse then suddenly passed away.
In tears: In emotional scenes the much-loved character finally passed away in fiancée Kate's arms, on what was supposed to be their wedding day
Mrs and Mrs: As Rana lay under the rubble, she and Kate emotionally exchanged their rings and wedding vows
The episode ended on a sombre note as Kate sobbed hysterically while cradling the woman she loved, as the camera panned up and out of the destroyed factory.
While many viewers were left in tears by the heartbreaking scenes, others had a decidedly more upset response.
Many accused Corrie of following the Burying Your Gays trope, which has long seen TV and films brutally end same-sex romances.
One irate viewer wrote: 'So #corrie has decided to follow the bury your gays trope too? Disappointing tbh.'
Another
