ITV accused of unfair tactics as Corrie wins big at NTAs

BBC bosses have accused ITV of fixing it to make sure 'Coronation Street' won Best Serial Drama at this year's National Television Awards.

ITV have been accused of using unfair tactics to make sure 'Coronation Street' won Best Serial Drama at this year's National Television Awards.

The Manchester-based show beat rival 'EastEnders' to be crowned the UK's favourite soap but the BBC were reportedly furious as ITV had moved 'Emmerdale' from its usual Wednesday 7pm slot and replaced it with Corrie so viewers saw it just moments before the awards show began.

They are convinced the move meant the soap pulled in extra votes as lines were still open to vote for Best Serial Drama.

One insider told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "It seems ITV will stop at nothing to win NTAs. The stars tweet reminding people to vote - then they put a big Corrie episode on moments before the show starts.

"It is such an obvious tactic and not the first time they have played unfairly when it comes to the NTAs."

In 2010, a six-minute tribute to the Weatherfield soap to mark its 50th anniversary was played while voting was still going on, leading to it also beating 'EastEnders'.

However, an ITV insider has responded to the claims, saying: "These claims of a fix are just sour grapes. The best soap won and our ratings are better than 'EastEnders' too, averaging 9.2 million."

In a statement, an ITV spokesman said: "Last year 'Coronation Street' was broadcast on Monday, Thursday and Friday but in 2013, it is going out on a Wednesday.

"Viewers expect to see it midweek which is why it was rescheduled to 7pm to make way for the NTAs."