Emmerdale stars Isabel Hodgins and Matthew Wolfenden are set to return to the ITV soap following an investigation into an alleged racist remark aimed at a mixed-race actress.
The duo, who plays Victoria Sugden and David Metcalfe, have been off-screen for months, with their absence explained with a trip to Portugal.
But they are set to return, with it reported that ITV bosses have accepted that the alleged remark and mocking were “misheard”.
No formal action will be taken against the two long-standing soap stars, and it’s reported that they are expected to return to set.
A source told The Sun: “ITV have conducted a rigorous enquiry into the allegations made, with witness statements taken. Bosses accepted Matthew and Isabel’s explanation and agreed they can return to work.
“However, it has been made very clear that racism and bullying will not be tolerated by ITV. They have also offered the subject of their alleged remarks guidance about how to deal with the pair’s return.”
Matthew, 41, was recently pictured arriving at the Leeds studio, while Isabel, 28, was seen at her flat in Harrogate.
The alleged incident is said to have occurred during the filming of Super Soap Week, which saw Isabel’s character Victoria almost die at the hands of Meena Jutla (Paige Sandhu).
It was previously reported that Aaron Anthony, 28, who plays Ellis Chapman, had clashed with Matthew and Isabel, who had both denied the accusations.
Then in December, it was claimed that the actor had quit his role as Ellis after the probe into what allegedly happened on set.
A source claimed that Aaron had told bosses he wouldn’t be renewing his contract when it expired, while an Emmerdale spokesperson had no comment to make on the matter.
(Image: ITV)
The source told The Sun: “Aaron is bitterly angry about this situation and he has had to be persuaded to come back to Leeds to film his scenes in recent months.
“He has done some filming over the last couple of weeks, but the understanding is that those scenes will be his last.
“He has been very vocal in his opinions about the allegations and about the way in which the enquiries have been handled by the bosses.
“He now feels his position on the show is untenable.”
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7pm, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays, on ITV
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
