CORONATION Street is a turn-off for black and ethnic minority viewers, according to a three-year academic study. Despite prominent characters such as shop boss Dev and Sunita appearing in recent years, researchers found the long-running soap was of "little interest" to ethnic minorities.

There was a "marked disinterest" in it, especially on the part of viewers with Indian and Pakistani backgrounds, researchers found.

The national study was carried out by Manchester University and the Open University for the British Film Institute, which promotes understanding and appreciation of Britain's film and television heritage and culture.

The report looks at how factors such as ethnicity, class, age and education affect TV and film viewing.

Researchers quizzed 227 people from the country's three biggest ethnic groups, Indian, Pakistani and Afro-Caribbean.

It suggested people from ethnic minority backgrounds preferred EastEnders to other soaps.

Animosity

Prof Tony Bennett, from the Open University, said: "We did not ask people if they disliked a programme. We asked what their favourite three programmes were. All we know is Coronation Street was not listed. It does not mean there is animosity towards it.

"I know full well Coronation Street has a rich history for wanting to engage and reflect society."

In mainstream dramas, The Bill was very popular with all three ethnic groups, BBC1 was favoured by people with an Indian background, and Afro- Caribbeans and Pakistanis preferred Five.

A Corrie spokeswoman said: "Coronation Street has always had a broad appeal and strives to give a true representation of northern life while not losing sight of the fact it is a drama whose main remit is to entertain. It is still the most watched show on TV."