Emmerdale was rocked by fresh race row claims when a security officer on staff was dismissed for making racist and offensive remarks.
Duane Gardner (49), a former soldier, was dismissed following a hearing where it was claimed that he had insulted Chinese tourists and railed about the Qu’ran.
Kolleagues filed grievances alleging that the veteran who served two years on ITV’s soap made offensive and racist comments at the security department.
Gardner claims he is feeling ‘victimized’ by their claims, although a Sun report stated that he was fired because of an “onset car accident”.
The fallout comes just months after long-standing Emmerdale stars Matthew Wolfenden and Isabel Hodgins were embroiled in a ‘heated on-set race row’.
Both actors were omitted from scenes on the ITV soap’s September episode due to claims that an actress of mixed race had imitated her accent.
An inappropriate comment was made to the actress, and it was later claimed that her accent was ridiculed during the fallout.
Duane Gardner (49), a former soldier, was dismissed following a hearing where it was claimed that he had insulted Chinese tourists and railed about the Qu’ran.
Gardner, (pictured), says that he is feeling ‘victimized’ by his coworkers’ accusations of him making ‘offensive’ and ‘racist’ comments. Although the claims were not fully supported by his peers, a report stated that Gardner was fired because of an onset car accident.
Afghanistan veteran Duane of Harrogate in North Yorkshire appeared before an ITV panel. They fired him from the Minimal Risk Consultancy job he held. This security firm provided staff to Emmerdale.
Duane told the hearing: ‘I find it astonishing I was fired when that saga with the actors was brushed under the carpet.
‘I’ve done absolutely nothing wrong’, he added.
According to reports, MRC said that it did not recognize his version of events. ITV was contacted for comment.
These developments occur six months after Emmerdale (which has been in operation since 1972) was the center of an independent race probe.
Matthew (41), who plays David Metcalfe, and Isabel (27) who portrays Victoria Sugden are accused.
According to a source, ITV conducted a thorough investigation and witness statements into the allegations. The Bosses accepted Isabel and Matthew’s explanations and allowed them to return to work.
Comeback: Matthew Wolfenden (pictured July 2021) and Isabel Hodgins will allegedly return to Emmerdale after a race row probe
Following claims that the actresses had imitated an accent from a mixed-raced actress on set, both actors were omitted from scenes in ITV soap’s September episode.
“ITV will not tolerate racism or bullying. They also gave guidance to ITV on the topic of the alleged comments about how they would deal with their return.
The soap’s stars, who were both cast in 2006, have categorically rejected racism claims and suggested that the entire thing was just a misinterpretation.
MailOnline received a statement from Emmerdale that said: “While we won’t comment on any individual case, Emmerdale has strong policies in place for dealing with all allegations raised and taking the necessary steps.”