Coronation Street viewers took to social media to voice their upset after Evelyn Plummer appeared to make a swipe at IVF in the soap.

Acid-tongued Evelyn was discussing new mum Gemma Winter, who recently gave birth to quadruplets, when she said 'at least she did it the old fashioned way.'

Gossiping with her grandson Tyrone Dobbs and neighbours Maria Connor and Gary Windass, she made the remark while reading newspaper coverage about Gemma giving birth in a cable car in Llandudno.

Evelyn, played by Maureen Lipman, also referred to The Midwich Cuckoos, a 1957 science fiction novel which tells the tale of an English village in which the women become pregnant by brood parasitic aliens.

Evelyn Plummer discussing Gemma Winter and her quads

"I'm quite surprised it made the papers because you can't move for twins and triplets these days," she sniped.

"It's like the flaming The Midwich Cuckoos.

"At least she did it the old fashioned way and not through, whatsit, IVF."

The scene angered fans who deemed Evelyn's IVF comment to be hurtful.

"Do you think it’s appropriate for Tyrone's granny to make a comment that ‘Gemma had her babies the old fashioned way and not through IVF’.....unbelievable," said one Corrie viewer on Twitter.

"We are in 2019 not the 1920’s. That comment will have hurt a lot of ladies including myself."

Another viewer said they'd complained about the scene.

"The character Evelyn said about a recent birth 'at least they did it the old fashioned way and not IVF ' - complained to director of Corrie, ITV and ofcom - IVF ain’t a choice / disgusted and will not watch Corrie again."

Gemma went into labour on a day trip to north Wales

Another accused Corrie of 'IF shaming.'

"Bit of unnecessary #ivf shaming on #Corrie tonight... folk don't turn to IVF because it's modern... it's because they want a family. Poor show," they said.

And another commented: "Disgusted by Tyrone’s grandmas comment regarding Gemma’s quads being conceived naturally as oppose to IVF rubbish!"

Evelyn wasn't pulled up by Tyrone or Maria and her boyfriend about the comment.

Gemma visiting her babies

"Yeah it runs in the family apparently," Maria told her about Gemma, who suspected that she might have twins but was shocked to be expecting four babies.

"Well surely that's the reason for contraception," added Gary.

In Vitro Fertilisation is one of several techniques available to help people with fertility problems have a baby.

Gemma was reassured by the nurse that she's doing well

If more than one embryo is replaced in the womb as part of treatment, there's an increased chance of multiple birth.


Gemma, played by Dolly-Rose Campbell, has been feeling emotional after giving birth miles from home and is now waiting to take her new family home.
