Don't be fooled by the sedate theme tune and the opening titles – for Coronation Street is TV’s most crime-ridden soap.
Fictional Weatherfield has seen 467 serious crimes in its 60-year history, including 36 murders.
And new research by BuzzBingo.com shows psychotic builder Pat Phelan is the biggest villain in soap history.
His 22 crimes included four murders, extortion and rape – which in the real world could have earned him 278 years behind bars.
Phelan, played by Connor McIntyre, ended up being stabbed to death. He’s not soap’s biggest serial killer, though.
In Hollyoaks, “gloved hand killer” Lindsay Butterfield, played by Sophie Austin, claimed seven lives.
EastEnders’ Phil Mitchell – actor Steve McFadden – clocked up 21 offences. They included manslaughter, torture, arson and firearms possession.
A raft of baddies are third with 18 offences. Enders’ Steve Owen and Dirty Den – actors Martin Kemp and Leslie Grantham – were both attempted murderers.
Emmerdale’s Debbie Dingle, played by Charley Webb, and Kim Tate – actress Claire King – are on 18, as is Cain Dingle actor Jeff Hordley.
There have been 437 crimes (42 murders) in Albert Square since 1985. Emmerdale’s had 408 (43 murders) since 1972. And Hollyoaks’ 115 crimes in 26 years includes 85 murders.
Buzzbingo.com said: “Viewers may want to relax after a hard day with some gentle telly but what they are getting is a Quentin Tarantino-style bloodbath.”
Top soap villains
Pat Phelan Corrie 22
Phil Mitchell Enders 21
Steve Owen Enders 18
Dirty DenEnders 18
Debbie Dingle Emmerdale 18
Kim Tate Emmerdale 18
Cain Dingle
Emmerdale 18
Derek Branning
Enders 17
Chris Tate Emmerdale 17
Eric Pollard Emmerdale 17
