Coronation Street has been dubbed the unhealthiest soap on TV by leading health experts.

The ITV soap, set in the fictional Salford suburb of Weatherfield, sees most of its characters regularly eating greasy fry-ups and fish 'n' chips and swilling pints in the Rovers Return.

Health experts say the poor diet, regular alcohol intake and lack of exercise by the characters is a poor role model to the show's millions of audiences.

Bad role model: Kebab shop owner Jerry Morton (Michael Starke), pictured with ex-wife Teresa, suffered a heart attack

Coronary on a plate: Roy Cropper serves unhealthy bacon butties and fry-ups at his Roy's Rolls cafe

Nutritionist Fiona Hunter and fitness guru Nicki Waterman criticised character buying kebabs sold by heart attack sufferer Jerry Morton (Michael Starke).

Many of the Street's residents eat a full English breakfast or a bacon sandwich in Roy Cropper's cafe.

The factory workers in particular, appear to spend all their free time - both lunch breaks and evenings - in the Rovers.

None of the residents appear to get any exercise either - with most working just seconds away from their homes.

In a study by Hunter and Waterman, they found characters eat fatty food or drink alcohol for at least 10 minutes of every 30 minute episode.

Waterman said: 'The families should be encouraged to reduce their trips to Jerry's takeaway and to swap their deep-fried meals, pints of lager and greasy fry-ups for a healthier diet and regular exercise.'

In response, a Coronation Street spokesperson said: 'The pub has always been the focal point as it brings characters together.'

Unhealthy: The Coronation Street characters spend their lunchtimes and evenings drinking at the Rovers Return