EMMERDALE fans are convinced that Asan N’Jie was cut from the soap this evening as they spotted his replacement.
The actor - who plays Ellis Champan – has been sacked from the ITV show after threatening to stab Jamie Lomas but despite being due on screen for six more weeks, the character has been absent this week.
During tonight’s episode viewers were surprised by his absence particularly as he skipped a game with The Woolpack football team.
The usual members Pete Barton, Matty Barton, Paddy Kirk, Marlon Dingle, Ellis' brother Billy and dad Al were all on hand to play – but Ellis was nowhere to be seen.
In his place there was a newbie in goal – leaving those watching at home baffled.
One person wrote: “#emmerdale wow how did emmerdale erase every scene with ellis in it already ?”
A second added: “Have they edited tonights episodes of #Emmerdale because I haven't seen Ellis at all.”
And a third tweeted: “#emmerdale Soooo.... No one is going to mention the sudden disappearance of Ellis? Wouldn't a fitness nut like him be in the football team? Bizarre.”
Earlier today we revealed that Ellis would be written out the soap alongside his mum Jessie – and he still has some weeks on air yet.
Bosses decided a quick turnaround was best after axing the 25-year-old despite Asan pleading to be kept on, as a source told us: "Ellis's mum Jessie is leaving the show later this year, and it's likely that Ellis will go along with her.
"It's likely he'll be written out by another character announcing that he's joined Jessie in Dubai.
"He hasn't filmed exit scenes so they'll either have to cut him out altogether or refilm scenes without him. It's proved a nightmare for the show's writers."
Asan joined Emmerdale last year and was nominated in the Best Soap Newcomer category at the TV Choice Awards.
Producers were left fuming when news of the bust-up broke, with a clip showing Asan screaming: "Do you think you are a f***ing big man? I'm going to f***ing kill you" at 44-year-old Jamie.
Most Read In TV & Showbiz
According to , he then added under his breath: "I’m going to f***ing knife you."
Asan issued a grovelling apology, saying in a statement: "My behaviour at the TV Choice Awards was completely unacceptable and very much out of character. I sincerely apologise to everybody who has been affected especially Jamie Lomas, the whole Emmerdale team, our audience, ITV, my family, and the organisers of the TV Choice Awards.
"I am devastated, accept full responsibility for my actions and I am determined to learn from this."
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.