Coronation Street star Katie McGlynn faces backlash over 'pregnancy announcement'

Coronation Street star Katie McGlynn is facing criticism from fans after a false 'pregnancy announcement' was posted to her social media accounts.

In the now-deleted Instagram post of a picture of a stork, Katie, 22, and her best friend Lee Bennett claimed that they'd decided to have a baby together.

'So happy & proud to announce that me and my GBF @_leebennett have decided to have a baby together couldn't think of a better person to bring a baby into the world with than my best friend, such a lucky gal! #BabyNews #Baba,' the caption alongside the image read.

A tweet was also sent, telling her 66,300 followers that she was 'so excited to share the news that me and @_LeeBennett are having a babrooon togeth #Gayby'.

However, within 24 hours of the reveal, Katie admitted that the post has simply been a prank pulled by Lee, who 'had stolen her phone.'

'So when @_LeeBennett steals your phone & the whole of the UK think your pregs' she explained in a follow-up message.

Subsequently, several fans of the actress, who plays Sinead Tinker in the ITV soap, have criticised her lighthearted attitude towards a subject that may prove upsetting to people who have lost children, or are unable to conceive.

'Not very funny is it.. considering some people can't have kids. Even if he did steal your phone that's low #immaturekids,' one wrote, whilst another added: 'Absolutely not funny at all! As someone who has lost 2 babies, pregnancy 'jokes' really anger me. Think before you speak! 😡😡😡'

'A joke about pregnancy is really not funny & people do get offended when they have lost pregnancies/cant conceive,' a third agreed.

'WTF? There's people out there who didn't get to meet their babies including me.. & people who can't have them, so disrespectful!' another wrote.

Whilst others have jumped to the pair's defence, with many suggesting that 'people take things too seriously', Lee has issued an apology for any offence they may have caused, which Katie has also retweeted.

'Im sorry if I've offended anybody,' he said. 'It was a joke between friends because i'm gay....with absolutely no malicious intent.'