Coronation Street’s new star Ryan Russell will keep his job despite homophobic and sexist tweets
The actor, due to play new character Michael Bailey, has apologised to ITV executives for the offensive tweets
ITV chiefs have been accused of hypocrisy for letting a new Coronation Street star keep his job despite homophobic and sexist tweets.
Ryan Russell was warned about his future conduct after a showdown with producers on Monday.
However, Emmerdale actress Shila Iqbal was fired earlier this month for a similar misdemeanour.
Ryan, 27, labelled women “f*****g stupid” and used gay as an insult in tweets between 2011 and 2013.
The former CBeebies presenter is due to appear in June as part of the Bailey family.
His character Michael will be seen in one scene reacting to news his brother is gay.
Shila, 24, who starred as Aiesha Richards, was axed over racist and homophobic tweets she made in 2013.
A TV source said: “It’s a bit baffling why only one of them was given a second chance.
Both made comments in historic tweets that they both regretted as they got older but only Ryan has been given a chance.
"It stinks of rank hypocrisy.”
In one, he dubs a friend a “big gay” for getting a hamster.
An ITV spokesman said: “Ryan has apologised.
"The tweets were deleted shortly after they had been published because he realised they were offensive. He has given assurances about his conduct, values and behaviour.”
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