A steamy embrace between two of Coronation Street’s resident homosexuals generated almost 100 complaints to the UK’s TV watchdog Ofcom.

The scene which saw Todd (Bruno Langley, bottom) and Marcus (Charlie Condou, top) share a passionate, semi-topless kiss after weeks of flirtation caused consternation amongst some parents who complained that the “sexually suggestive” kiss was aired before 8pm, a time when children may be watching.

The kiss also generated a brief Twitter storm, with comments ranging from supportive (one commenter stated he hoped the kiss would “weed out the outraged homophobes”) to the utterly incensed (“I was tucking into my chicken and rice in front of the TV only to ­witness a gay kiss on Corrie. I’m done.”)

The Daily Star reports that Ofcom confirmed last night it had received complaints and will now assess whether ITV breached any broadcasting guidelines with the controversial clip.

Corrie chiefs have said they plan to continue the plot-line, and even ramp up the action between the couple. “The vast majority of the ­audience have no trouble with this. It’s real,” said an insider.