Corrie actor Peter Ash has hit back after Russell T Davis claimed only gay actors should play gay roles.
Russell, the TV creator, producer and writer behind the Manchester-based series Queer as Folk, Doctor Who and Years and Years, which was also set in Manchester, explained why he only casts gay actors in the role of gay characters in an interview with the Radio Times.
He believes it's the only way to guarantee authenticity when it comes to casting TV shows such as his new series It’s A Sin.
The Channel Four show, which launches on Friday January 22, is filmed in Manchester but set in London during the 1980s AIDS crisis.
The cast includes Olly Alexander, Neil Patrick Harris and Stephen Fry, who are openly gay.
Russell told the Radio Times : "I’m not being woke about this… but I feel strongly that if I cast someone in a story, I am casting them to act as a lover, or an enemy, or someone on drugs or a criminal or a saint… they are not there to 'act gay' because 'acting gay' is a bunch of codes for a performance.
"It’s about authenticity, the taste of 2020."
He added: "You wouldn’t cast someone able-bodied and put them in a wheelchair, you wouldn’t black someone up.
"Authenticity is leading us to joyous places.”
Coronation Street 's Peter Ash, who plays a gay character in the ITV soap, had his say on the matter on Twitter.
Peter, who lives with his girlfriend Amy Shawcross, plays Paul Foreman, the partner of archdeacon Billy Mayhew.
He tweeted: "Acting; the art or occupation of performing fictional roles in plays, films or television."
And his followers flocked to agree with him.
"Acting is acting all about playing characters gay or straight," said one.
"That's ridiculous. A good actor like yourself can take on any part authentically," wrote another.
"Surely a role like any other job should be given on ability and competence?" commented another fan.
"I believe it should be based on who is the best person for the role," tweeted another.
"This is disappointing from someone who should know better," another said.
