Many Coronation Street fans have become emotional after ITV soap bosses shared “horrible” news on Monday night.

The long-running serial drama has amassed legions of loyal viewers over its decades on air, with many watching the soap each time it is broadcast, week in and week out. However a recent storyline has not gone down well with some Corrie fans.

Roy Cropper was arrested for the murder of missing teenager Lauren Bolton, has since been charged, and has been refused bail twice. Because of Roy’s kind-hearted nature, many viewers have slammed the story and said there is no way Roy would ever hurt anyone.

In scenes that aired in the latest episode, Roy was taken to hospital. Carla Connor was at his bedside, but he told her their friendship is to be no more, after her nephew Bobby Crawford lied to the police in a bid to help free Roy.

ITV soap bosses shared a clip from the emotional moment on Instagram after the credits rolled. The caption simply said: “‘This is the end of our friendship’.”

Hundreds of fans have reacted in the comments section, as Ells said: “No I love Carla and Roy’s friendship”. Elaine said: “This is just horrible, the sooner this storyline ends the better”. @doctorwho6 said: “One of the best things about Corrie is the friendship between Roy and Carla and how much they both mean to each other.

“I can’t believe the writers would end their friendship permanently. I really hope not!” Nikki said: “This is just heartbreaking”.