Emmerdale stars Matthew Wolfenden and Isabel Hodgins will return to the soap after race row probe
EMMERDALE stars Matthew Wolfenden and Isabel Hodgins will return to the ITV soap after a race row inquiry.
The pair have been absent from the set since September when it was claimed a mixed-race actress was upset by a comment and her accent allegedly being mimicked.
But it is understood ITV bosses have accepted Matthew and Isabel’s explanation that the alleged remark and mimicry were “misheard”.
No formal action will be taken against them and they are now expected back on set.
Matthew, 41, who plays David Metcalfe, was pictured last week arriving at the studios in Leeds.
A source said: “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.”
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Isabel, 28, who plays David’s lover Victoria Sugden, did not visit the set last week but was seen at her flat in nearby Harrogate.
In November, The Sun on Sunday revealed the pair clashed on set with actor Aaron Anthony, 28.
The racism claim emerged in the aftermath of the bust-up, which happened during filming for Super Soap Week.
At the time, Emmerdale said it “has robust policies in place to deal with any allegations”.
Last night it declined to add anything.