Chris Fountain has reportedly blasted 'Coronation Street' bosses for turning him into a "scapegoat".
The actor - who had played mechanic Tommy Duckworth - was axed after foul-mouthed videos of him rapping about rape and violence emerged online and he has apparently told friends he feels like he has been made the fall guy after a string of scandals for the ITV soap.
An insider told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "Chris is gutted. He honestly thought he was going to get a severe rap over the knuckles and be allowed back at some point.
"He thinks he's been made a scapegoat for all the recent terrible publicity 'Corrie' has had".
Actors Michael Le Vell and Bill Roache have been indefinitely written out of the soap amidst allegations of sexual assault against young girls.
Both stars are due to stand trial and a decision about their future on the show won't be made until after their respective court dates.
Chris' exit from the soap is said to have "shaken" its cast with many refraining from tweeting their support in case they got in trouble.
A source said: "Chris is a popular guy. His sacking has shaken everyone."
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