Coronation Street star Chris Fountain issues apology
Coronation Street star Chris Fountain has issued a grovelling apology after he was sacked from the soap yesterday.
After video clips appeared online showing him rapping about rape and violence, Coronation Street bosses decided to axe the 25-year-old from the show.
The Yorkshire-born actor, who plays Tommy Duckworth, admits Corrie bosses “had no choice but to terminate my contract” after his raps under alter-ego, The Phantom, surfaced on YouTube.
Chris issued the following apology to fans, bosses and his family:
“The lyrics that appeared online were influenced by a style of hip-hop that I was experimenting with at a private freestyle session and blurted out in a moment of madness.
“There is absolutely no excuse – I take complete responsibility for my actions – but they were in no way thought out or represent at all my attitude towards women, rape and violence.
“I just want to apologise from the bottom of my heart to everyone who I have offended or upset.
“I completely understand that ITV had no choice but to terminate my contract today.
“I have had two wonderful years playing Tommy Duckworth with only happy memories of my time on Coronation Street.
“I am mortified that I have brought so much embarrassment to my colleagues and employers these last few days.
“My biggest regret however is not to do with losing my job, but that I have hurt and let down so many people including those in a vulnerable situation and I am so very deeply ashamed of this.
“I am also mortified to have put my mother, grandad and girlfriend through the last few days which they are hurt and bewildered by and so do not deserve. I am so sorry. Once again to everyone who I have let down and hurt. I am deeply sorry.”
Show bosses have decided not to edit Chris out of episodes he has already filmed so his character, mechanic Tommy Duckworth, will appear on TV this week.
However, on Monday his co-stars filmed scenes, which apparently showed David Platt telling Tina that Tommy had taken a flight after a row with her.
In scenes which are likely to be broadcast in around six weeks time, David tells Tina: ‘Tommy proper kicked off. He packed a bag and went off to the airport.”
