Coronation Street star Chris Fountain has said ITV chiefs had “no choice” but to axe him from the show after online video clips of him delivering foul-mouthed raps which included lyrics about rape emerged online.
The 25-year-old was suspended from the show last week after the videos came to light and he met programme bosses on Monday to discuss his actions.
ITV said that his contract has now been terminated due to his “unacceptable comments”.
Fountain, who played Tommy Duckworth, said in a statement he was “deeply sorry” and “mortified” at the embarrassment he has brought to colleagues and employers.
“I completely understand that ITV had no choice but to terminate my contract today,” he said.
“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.”
An ITV spokesman said: “Chris Fountain’s contract with ITV has been terminated as a result of the unacceptable comments he made in a number of online clips.”
Fountain said: “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.
“The lyrics that appeared online were influenced by a style of hiphop 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.”