A new Coronation Street cast member has been forced to apologise for old tweets a week after starting on the soap.
Ryan Russell has said that he is “embarrassed” by some of his posts online and said that the tweets are “not an accurate representation” of who he wants to be.
“First and foremost, I want to take ownership for my behaviour and apologise for some of the language that I’ve previously used on social media,” he said.
“I’m embarrassed by some of my previous social media posts but hope to be able to use my platform to educate, inspire and engage others.
“As with anything in life, I believe that it’s about self-reflection, education and growth.
“I’m truly sorry and believe that the tweets are not an accurate representation of the person that I am, or aspire to be.”
The show’s producers confirmed that they have accepted his apology.
“He has spoken with producers today and given them assurances about his conduct, values and behaviour going forward,” a show representative told Digital Spy.
The tweets, which Russell says were deleted in 2013, make references to women that have been deemed offensive.
One read “Embrace the fact that you’re a slag” while another said “The awkward moment when your lecture on feminism is not held in the kitchen…”
Russell, a former CBeebies presenter, began filming last week.
He is due to make his first appearance on the cobbles in June in the role of Michael Bailey.
The Baileys will be the first black family in the soap’s almost 60 year history.
