Emmerdale star Shila Iqbal has been fired from her role as Aisha Richards after racist tweets from 2012 resurfaced. Shila is new to the cast, with her character Aisha only introduced to Emmerdale earlier this year as Rishi Sharma’s new step-daughter following his marriage to Manpreet Jutla.
But now that the historic tweets have come to light, ITV bosses have made the decision to sack Shila from the role. "As a consequence of historic social media posts Shila Iqbal has left her role as Aiesha Richards on Emmerdale,” said a spokesperson for the soap.
"The programme took the decision not to renew her contract as soon as these posts were brought to the company's attention."
And Shila herself has issues a grovelling apology, citing her young age as a factor.
She said, "I am terribly sorry and take full responsibility for my use of such inappropriate language. I have paid the price and can no longer continue the job I loved the most at Emmerdale. Although I was young when I made the Tweets, it was still completely wrong of me to do so and I sincerely apologise...
"I regret that I too have let people down by the use of such language, albeit six years ago. I, like everyone else, have a responsibility about the language I have used on social media as well as in conversation."
Check out all of next week's Emmerdale spoilers below:
Emmerdale spoilers: week 16 SLIDER
Emmerdale spoilers
Bob hasn't managed to shake his suspicions that Dawn is behind the attacks on Harriet, and heads to the Woolpack to confront her.
Emmerdale spoilers
Feeling under attack, a spurned Dawn announces that she's moving out – but the next day, she and Harriet smooth over their differences.
Emmerdale spoilers
While chatting with Dawn, Harriet receives another alarming message and later on when she's out in the village she hears the church bells ring, and goes to investigate.
Emmerdale spoilers
While she's inside, the heavy wooden door slams shut behing her and Harriet panics when she realises she's locked in.
Emmerdale spoilers
Matty has been growing steadily more apprehensive about his upcoming surgery as Moira tries her best to steady his nerves.
Emmerdale spoilers
But her feeling are hurt when Matty has a heart to heart with Victoria the night before his surgery and feels shut out.
Emmerdale spoilers
At the hospital the next day, Moira won't let Matty get a word in edgeways and eventually he snaps, telling her to back off.
Emmerdale spoilers
As Matty is wheeled off into the operating theatre Moira can see how nervous he is and hopes the operation is a success.
Emmerdale spoilers
Once Matty is in surgery, Moira lashes out at Victoria. Upset, she confesses her distress for Matty stems from Holly's death and Victoria comforts her.
Emmerdale spoilers
At the Woolpack, Aaron becomes agitated when Robert gets stuck in traffic and is late for their meeting with potential surrogate Natalie.
Emmerdale spoilers
Stalling for time, Faith promises to keep Natalie occupied and she, Bear and Kirk regale her with stories of the boys' great qualities.
Emmerdale spoilers
But by the time Aaron and Robert eventually turn up, have the family gone too far?
Emmerdale spoilers
Aisha has been trying to make a great impression on her family...
Emmerdale spoilers
But Priya is put out by Aisha's thoughtfulness toward Rishi and thinks she's being false.
Emmerdale spoilers
Kerry is growing tired of having to put on a united front with Dan, pretending their still together.
Emmerdale spoilers
Learning that her political opponent Hillary has stepped up her game, Nicola is determined to fight harder for her spot on the council.
After landing the once in a lifetime opportunity at the start of the year, Shila’s role was made permanent just last month.
"I am over the moon to be back at Emmerdale as a regular,” she said at the time. “My family love Emmerdale and to be appearing in a show that you’ve grown up watching just feels like a dream!
“[My character] Aiesha very much represents the new generation of social media fascination and her phone is her third hand. She is always camera ready! She speaks her mind, although it comes from a ditzy but good place for sure...".
Emmerdale continues every week night at 7pm on ITV.