Emmerdale has received a further 182 complaints regarding its controversial Down syndrome storyline.
The long-running soap has divided viewers over a Christmas plot in which Laurel Thomas falls pregnant, only to choose an abortion after discovering her unborn child could be born with the genetic disorder.
The hotly debated storyline initially prompted 265 official complaints to TV regulator Ofcom over a seven day period from November 24th-30th, with the latest figure, recorded from December 1st-7th, increasing that number to 447.
Under fire: Emmerdale has received a further 182 complaints regarding its controversial Down syndrome storyline
Viewers watched as Laurel and partner Jai Sharma were told their baby could have Down syndrome after an ultrasound scan picked up irregularities in the foetus.
Their decision to abort the child has been met with outrage in some quarters, with 30,000 people signing a petition to scrap the storyline and many criticising the show across social media.
However Emmerdale bosses insist they will see it through to the end.
Defending the controversial development, series producer Laura Shaw revealed the show had meticulously prepared by working closely with the Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC), medical professionals and those who have been in the same predicament.
Divided: The soap has divided viewers over a plot in which Laurel Thomas falls pregnant with Jai Sharma’s baby, only to choose an abortion after discovering it could be born with the genetic disorder
She said: ‘We’re confident that what we’ve produced has been done in a really balanced and sensitive way. We haven’t gone into this blindly, we’ve spoken to as many people as we possibly can.
‘We’ve got the research, this is based on real life, and I think people will see that. You’re going to feel uncomfortable at times watching it, but I hope that people will then, as they watch it, understand why we’ve done it.’
John Whiston, managing director of continuing drama at ITV, has also defended the plot.
‘It is a story exploring a very difficult decision many parents face and their legal right to make that choice with support, rather than judgment, from their family and friends,’ he told the Daily Mail.
Devastating: Viewers watched on Monday as Laurel and partner Jai were told their baby could have Down Syndrome after an ultrasound scan picked up irregularities in the foetus
However some parents to children with the condition claim the storyline ‘reinforces the stigma and fails to challenge or advance people’s views on Down syndrome’.
Appearing on This Morning, mother-of-two Claire Farrington – whose son has the condition – suggested the ITV Yorkshire-based soap should rethink the plot.
She said: ‘I’m not here to talk about a woman’s right to choose, I think it’s fantastic that Emmerdale are covering abortion and termination.
‘It’s just why did they choose Down syndrome and it does just really reinforce the deep seated prejudice which is embedded in society and it reinforces the stigma.
‘Ultimately what parents of children with Down syndrome are feeling is that it says these children are worth less. Now we are trying to live in a world of equality and this storyline unfairly spreads a less perceived value of our children.
‘I think it’s very upsetting for all of us, because none of us in the Down syndrome community are judging the woman’s right to choose, but if Emmerdale were going to cover this why couldn’t they cover a condition that’s incompatible with life.’
Upset: Fans of the ITV show previously aired their ‘disappointment’ at its decision to launch the storyline
Speaking out: Appearing on Lorraine in November, Emmerdale actress Charlotte Bellamy defended the storyline in which her character has an abortion after discovering her unborn child has Down syndrome
Speaking to breakfast show Lorraine in November, actress Charlotte Bellamy – who play Lauren – urged viewers to follow the storyline before forming an opinion.
She said: ‘Of course, it’s going to cause huge debate and it is a highly emotive subject. But I think it’s important to say Emmerdale’ aren’t making judgements. They’re not taking sides.
‘We urge people to watch all of these episodes before making judgement.’
The actress, 47, also reminded fans that Emmerdale child actor Harvey Rogerson, a cast-member since 2014, also has Down Syndrome yet continues to appear regularly on the show as Leo Goskirk.
Not happy: Appearing on This Morning, mother-of-two Claire Farrington – whose son has the condition – suggested the ITV Yorkshire-based soap should rethink the plot
‘Emmerdale takes a balanced view,’ she said. ‘We have to remember Leo is a character who has been in the show for 10 years.
‘He is the Down syndrome son of Marlon and Rhona. And that has been such a huge positive story, and continues to be, in our show.
‘Soaps are at their most potent when they deal with very difficult stories. I think it’s really important that soaps don’t shy away from them.’
The Down Syndrome Association told MailOnline in a statement: ‘The DSA can provide balanced and up to date information about Down’s syndrome for anyone in Laurel and Jai’s position.
‘We would encourage anyone in this situation to contact our confidential helpline to talk with our trained staff for non-directive information and support.’