Emmerdale ’embroiled in race probe after claims actress’ accent was mimicked by two co-stars on set’

Emmerdale has reportedly rocked by a race probe following claims that a mixed-race actress’ accent was mimicked by two of her co-stars.

The Sun reports that the unnamed soap actress was left upset following an inappropriate comment made towards her before her accent was mocked on the set of the Yorkshire-based ITV soap.

It comes as leading Emmerdale stars Matthew Wolfenden and Isabel Hodgins continue to be absent from screen following a ‘heated on-set row’, with both stars said to not be returning to screens until 2022.

Shocking: Emmerdale has been rocked by a race probe following claims that a mixed-race actress’ accent was mimicked by two of her co-stars

The publication reports that Matthew, 41, who plays David Metcalfe and Isabel, 27, who portrays Victoria Sugden, are facing claims that the mixed-race actress’ accent was mimicked.

Both stars – who joined the soap in 2006 – have categorically denied all allegations and have suggested that the whole thing is a misunderstanding.

Neither actor have been formally suspended by the ITV soap, but have not filmed scenes since September.

Off screen: It comes as leading Emmerdale stars Matthew Wolfenden and Isabel Hodgins continue to be absent from screen following a ‘heated on-set row’, with both stars said to not be returning to screens until 2022

It is also reported that following the alleged incident, Matthew is said to have rowed with co-star Aaron Anthony, who plays Ellis Chapman in the Dales. 

A source said: ‘It is common knowledge on set that Matthew and Isabel are not filming at the moment following a complaint. 

‘This all came about after a conversation between them and another actress — during which the alleged remark was made. 

‘An accusation was also made that the actress’s accent had been mimicked.’

Oh dear: The Sun reports that the unnamed soap actress was left upset following an inappropriate comment made towards her before her accent was mocked on the set of the Yorkshire-based ITV soap

The source went on to say that Matthew and Aaron subsequently had a ‘tense conversation’, adding that afterwards, Matthew and Isabel ‘stopped filming.’

The insider added that ‘Emotions have been running high’ on the set since the incident, with cast unsure ‘what to believe’.

Meanwhile, it’s said that the female cast member at the centre of the race row is continuing to film ‘as normal’, though she wishes she ‘wasn’t entangled in it.’

The publication reports that the ‘issue is far from solved’ and as two of Emmerdale’s biggest stars their sudden absence from set have cause major ‘production issues’. 

Tensions: It is also reported that following the alleged incident, Matthew is said to have rowed with co-star Aaron Anthony, who plays Ellis Chapman in the Dales

MailOnline have contacted Emmerdale representatives for comment. 

Both Matthew and Isabel were embroiled in the soap’s huge Super Soap Week stunt last month, where their characters had plunged into fast-flowing rapids after the rope bridge collapsed.

While Isabel’s character Victoria faced further turmoil when twisted Meena Jutla (Paige Sandhu) tried to drown her, with Victoria having survived.

However, with both Isabel and Matthew gone, it has led to scripts being ‘hastily rewritten’, which has caused some confusion for dedicated viewers.

Absent: A source told The Sun: ‘It is common knowledge on set that Matthew and Isabel are not filming at the moment following a complaint’

Drama: With both Isabel and Matthew gone, it has led to scripts being ‘hastily rewritten’, which has caused some confusion for dedicated viewers

It’s said that bosses had planned to keep the huge storyline ‘prominent’, but with both characters off screen for ‘an unspecified period of time’, it has presented a ‘a real challenge’ for scriptwriters.

The pair were last seen onscreen on October 28, with the onscreen lovers heading off to visit Victoria’s stepmother Diana Blackstock in Portugal. 

It comes after it was reported that Matthew and Isabel won’t return to screens until 2022 following their on-set row,. 

Despite both actors having returned to the Harewood set, filming for the soap takes place six weeks ahead of airtime, meaning neither will appear in Christmas storylines, said to be ‘a disappointment for the bosses and scriptwriters’.

Matthew and Isabel reportedly clashed while shooting new scenes with Aaron Anthony, while the cast were filming dramatic waterfall scenes in Stockton-on-Tees for a special episode.

Reports: Emmerdale’s Matthew and his co-star Isabel won’t return to screens until 2022 following their on-set row

Absent: Despite both actors having returned to the Harewood set, filming for the soap takes place six weeks ahead of airtime, meaning neither will appear in Christmas storylines

A source told The Sun: ‘It is very unlikely that Matthew and Isabel will be back on screen before Christmas [as] they have only just returned to the set, and as Emmerdale is filmed six weeks in advance, that puts their return date in January.’

The added: ‘It was a disappointment for the bosses and scriptwriters, but they of course understood that the appropriate enquiries needed to be made.’

Matthew’s representative declined to comment when approached by MailOnline.

Isabel’s representatives have also been approached for comment.

A source said: ‘It is very unlikely that Matthew and Isabel will be back on screen before Christmas [as] they have only just returned to the set’

The source also noted that ‘neither actor has been suspended’ from filming.

Their absence was addressed on Emmerdale last week when their characters were said to have travelled to Portugal to visit character Diane Sugden’s new home.

Matthew and Isabel were previously  said to have fallen out while filming a soap scene which involved a dramatic stunt.

A source told The Sun: ‘It left a lot of those present at the filming feeling uncomfortable. It was a very heated situation.

Drama: Matthew and Isabel were previously said to have fallen out while filming a soap scene which involved a dramatic stunt

‘Tempers were running very high. It was tense and bosses got to hear about what had gone on very quickly.’

However, the actors were seen cuddling up for an Instagram snap shared earlier this month, suggesting their reported feud is behind them.

Matthew’s wife Charley Webb shared a photo of the pair larking about on social media, captioning the snap: ‘The most annoying humans’ along with a love heart.

Isabel reacted to the photo, shared on Charley’s Instagram Stories with: ‘We love you too hun @miss_charleywebb’ while Matthew added they are: ‘BFFS!’

Isabel also shared a photo of Matthew lying on the ground as he played with his pet dog.

Pals: Matthew’s wife Charley Webb shared a photo of the pair larking about on social media, captioning the snap: ‘The most annoying humans’ along with a love heart

Heartwarming: Isabel also shared a photo of Matthew lying on the ground as he played with his pet dog