Jason Manford hits back after Facebook attack from extreme right-wing group Britain First

Earlier this week, the father-of-five took to Facebook to reveal that he had been forced to delete several people from his personal Facebook account after being left sickened by their intolerant behaviour.

He wrote simply: “Just had to delete 3 old school friends from my personal Facebook page for sharing Britain First bullshit videos.

“Nowt more depressing than finding out someone you know is a racist.”

But members of the group, which was founded in 2011 by former members of the BNP, quickly flooded onto Facebook to insist they are not racist.

In a post on their own Facebook page, they took a photo of Jason Manford standing alongside Ross Noble.

The comic duo were stood backstage at The Producers, with a Nazi flag behind them.

The group wrote furiously: “DOES JASON MANFORD SUPPORT ISLAMIC EXTREMISM?

“How is it ‘racist’ to oppose a multi-racial religion whose adherents include black, white, asian, and oriental people?

“Is it racist to oppose Islamic extremism?

“Another wealthy Russell Brand-type comedian who has his head in his sand.”

They added, clearly taking the photograph out of context, that “any man who thinks Nazism is funny is a disgrace.”

However Jason, not one to take things lying down, didn’t waste any time in sending the extreme right-wing group an eloquent response of his own.

He wrote powerfully: “Oh dear. Looks like I'm about to become one of their victims!

“Not like Britain First to take a photo out of context and then use it to popularise their bigoted views!

“No, Naziism isn't funny, but Mel Brooks' The Producers musical is.

“As you know (because I'm, you know, a human being) I am very much against extremists of all belief systems. I also like to put Britain first (note the lack of capital letter). But my Britain is very different to their idea of Britain.

"If you don't want to follow this page because I think Britain First are bigoted, then that's your choice. I wish you well. If this page keeps popping up because your friends are liking it then please post 'block me' belle and I'll be happy to take you out.”

He then changed his profile picture to one of him celebrating Ramadan with a Muslim family to make his point more clearly.

Jason also changed his Facebook cover picture to one which showed him entertaining British troops in Afghanistan.

In response to one critic, he wrote: "I posted this picture and my profile picture to show that you can be patriotic without (being a) bigoted c**kmuppet. You should try it."

He asked another angry Britain First supporter: "You been out to Afghanistan, or any other war zones to support the troops?

“No? Oh really? Weird, cos well, I have."

Jason's fans quickly leapt to his defence, with one writing: “You shouldn't have to justify yourself to anyone Jason. Especially people that are so ignorant enough to believe you would be racist/ against other religions.”

Another added firmly: “You are an absolutely lovely man and I know your daughters are very lucky to have a dad that will go against the tide of right wing pressure and be a decent man.”

“At last somebody has the guts to tackle a difficult subject that might alienate some of his fan base,” said another impressed Facebook follower. “Well done, Jason.”

Anyone else feeling inspired by Jason’s decision to stand up for followers of Islam?