Emmerdale star Shila Iqbal has been fired from her role as Aisha Richards after racist tweets from 2012 resurfaced
Shila is new to the cast, with her character Aisha only introduced to Emmerdale earlier this year as Rishi Sharma’s new step-daughter following his marriage to Manpreet Jutla.
But now that the historic tweets have come to light, ITV bosses have made the decision to sack Shila from the role.
"As a consequence of historic social media posts Shila Iqbal has left her role as Aiesha Richards on Emmerdale,” said a spokesperson for the soap.
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Emmerdale spoilers: week 16 SLIDER
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Bob hasn't managed to shake his suspicions that Dawn is behind the attacks on Harriet, and heads to the Woolpack to confront her.
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Feeling under attack, a spurned Dawn announces that she's moving out – but the next day, she and Harriet smooth over their differences.
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While chatting with Dawn, Harriet receives another alarming message and later on when she's out in the village she hears the church bells ring, and goes to investigate.
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While she's inside, the heavy wooden door slams shut behing her and Harriet panics when she realises she's locked in.
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Matty has been growing steadily more apprehensive about his upcoming surgery as Moira tries her best to steady his nerves.
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But her feeling are hurt when Matty has a heart to heart with Victoria the night before his surgery and feels shut out.
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At the hospital the next day, Moira won't let Matty get a word in edgeways and eventually he snaps, telling her to back off.
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As Matty is wheeled off into the operating theatre Moira can see how nervous he is and hopes the operation is a success.
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Once Matty is in surgery, Moira lashes out at Victoria. Upset, she confesses her distress for Matty stems from Holly's death and Victoria comforts her.
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At the Woolpack, Aaron becomes agitated when Robert gets stuck in traffic and is late for their meeting with potential surrogate Natalie.
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Stalling for time, Faith promises to keep Natalie occupied and she, Bear and Kirk regale her with stories of the boys' great qualities.
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But by the time Aaron and Robert eventually turn up, have the family gone too far?
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Aisha has been trying to make a great impression on her family...
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But Priya is put out by Aisha's thoughtfulness toward Rishi and thinks she's being false.
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Kerry is growing tired of having to put on a united front with Dan, pretending their still together.
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Learning that her political opponent Hillary has stepped up her game, Nicola is determined to fight harder for her spot on the council.
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"The programme took the decision not to renew her contract as soon as these posts were brought to the company's attention."
And Shila herself has issues a grovelling apology, citing her young age as a factor.
"I am terribly sorry and take full responsibility for my use of such inappropriate language...
"I have paid the price and can no longer continue the job I loved the most at Emmerdale. Although I was young when I made the Tweets, it was still completely wrong of me to do so and I sincerely apologise...
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"I regret that I too have let people down by the use of such language, albeit six years ago. I, like everyone else, have a responsibility about the language I have used on social media as well as in conversation."
After landing the once in a lifetime opportunity at the start of the year, Shila’s role was made permanent just last month.
"I am over the moon to be back at Emmerdale as a regular,” she said at the time. “My family love Emmerdale and to be appearing in a show that you’ve grown up watching just feels like a dream!
“[My character] Aiesha very much represents the new generation of social media fascination and her phone is her third hand. She is always camera ready! She speaks her mind, although it comes from a ditzy but good place for sure...".