ITV soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale bosses have issued a warning to fans over AI-generated posts.
It comes as actors and the soaps themselves have become the subject of several false posts on social media.
In a statement shared to the soaps’ Facebook pages on Tuesday, June 9, fans were urged to be careful about unverified sources and claims made.
It read: “It has been brought to our attention that a lot of AI generated Facebook pages are posting fake news about Emmerdale and Coronation Street actors and the programmes in general.
Coronation Street and Emmerdale issued a warning to fans
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ITV
“Some of these posts are extremely hurtful and damaging to reputations.
“Please only follow genuine news outlets and feel free to report those you think are fake via the usual methods.”
“Some of these posts are extremely hurtful and damaging to reputations.
“Please only follow genuine news outlets and feel free to report those you think are fake via the usual methods.”
The soaps have been targeted by the growing issue for some time, with Coronation Street star Jane Danson addressing fake claims in October.
The Leanne Battersby star called for a Facebook group to “stop making up stories.”
She penned: “Apparently I’ve been axed from the show and have a written a letter to say how upset I am.
“First of all, if I have been ‘axed’ surely I would have been told?
Emmerdale and Coronation Street have been at the centre of false AI reports
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ITV
“Had almost 30 years of people feeling the need to say what they want or making up stories and I’ve never bitten back but I’ve had enough of reading absolute c**p. Just stop it, it’s pathetic.
“And please stop believing the 99 per cent nonsense these sites keep spinning. It can be so damaging and it’s really unkind. Think before you type.”
Many of Ms Danson’s co-stars rushed to support her in the comments, sharing their own experiences with fake news sites.
David Platt star Jack P. Shepherd wrote: “I was dead online the other day Jane.”
Coronation Street and Emmerdale shared a warning to fans
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GETTYMeanwhile, Ms Danson’s husband, fellow actor Robert Beck, quipped: “Ah s*** … this not true ? I’ve just listed the house on Rightmove.”
The recent warning isn’t the first provided by the two ITV soaps over false social media activity.
Last year, another joint statement was shared by Coronation Street and Emmerdale, urging fans who may have been targeted by scam accounts to be “vigilant.”
It read: “Please be aware that actor from both Coronation Street and Emmerdale are currently being impersonated by scammers across all social media platforms.
It went on to read: “No cast member will ever directly request money for messages, meetings, or any kind of personal interaction on social media.
“We are aware these sophisticated impersonations can include deep-fake footage (where it appears to be the actor talking but isn’t) and personal messages which seem to be realistic and in character.
“We urge everybody to be vigilant. Please report any concern to the relevant platform. The legitimate way of meeting with real members of the cast is via official ‘meet and greet’ events run by ITV Star Tours.”