'Coronation Street' bosses had "no choice" but to axe Chris Fountain after his rap video shame.
The actor - who plays mechanic Tommy Duckworth on the ITV soap - was fired from the show yesterday (19.08.13) after explicit rap videos of him glorifying rape and violence emerged on the internet, and show insiders insist his actions left producers with little choice but to terminate his contract.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "It was the only action we could take. Chris left us no choice with what he has done and this seemed to be appropriate action.
"Everyone at ITV signs contracts which have a code of conduct and Chris is in breach of his. These videos were shocking and disgusting and Chris couldn't defend them. No one could."
The 25-year-old actor joined the Weatherfield soap in 2011 and his contract was not due to expire until February 2014.
However, Chris was suspended last week when videos emerged of him performing vulgar raps - including claiming he would "rape a b***h on her birthday" - under the guise of masked MC, The Phantom.
The actor met with show bosses to discuss his future on the show yesterday and was informed of his firing.
An ITV spokesperson said on Monday: "Chris Fountain's contract with ITV has been terminated as a result of the unacceptable comments he made in a number of online clips."
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