Matthew Wolfenden and his on-screen girlfriend Isabel Hodgins will reportedly return to Emmerdale following a ‘rigorous’ a race row probe.
The soap stars have been absent from the ITV soap since September, following claims that ‘the accent of a mixed-raced actress was mimicked’ on set.
The unnamed actress was upset following an inappropriate comment made towards her, before it was claimed her accent was mocked during the fall out.
Comeback: Matthew Wolfenden (pictured July 2021) and Isabel Hodgins will allegedly return to Emmerdale after a race row probe
According to The Sun, ITV bosses have accepted Matthew, 41, (David Metcalfe) and Isabel’s, 28, (Victoria Sugden’s) explanation that the alleged remark and mimicry were ‘misheard’, with no formal action to be taken against them.
A source revealed to the publication: ‘ITV have conducted a rigorous enquiry into the allegations made, with witness statements taken. Bosses accepted Matthew and Isabel’s explanation and agreed they can return to work.
‘However, it has been made very clear that racism and bullying will not be tolerated by ITV. They have also offered the subject of their alleged remarks guidance about how to deal with the pair’s return.’
MailOnline has contacted an Emmerdale spokesperson for comment.
Behind the scenes: The soap stars and onscreen lovers, 41 and 28 respectively, have been absent from the ITV soap since September, following claims that ‘the accent of a mixed-raced actress was mimicked’ on set (Isabel pictured August 2021)
Neither actor had been formally suspended by the producers of the Yorkshire-based soap, but they have not filmed scenes since September.
Back in November, it was claimed that Matthew and Isabel were facing allegations.
Both stars – who joined the soap in 2006 – have categorically denied claims of racism and have suggested the whole thing was a misunderstanding.
Return: According to The Sun, ITV bosses have accepted Matthew (David Metcalfe) and Isabel’s (Victoria Sugden’s) explanation that the alleged remark and mimicry were ‘misheard’, with no formal action to be taken against them
An Emmerdale spokesman told MailOnline at the time: ‘While we would never comment on individual cases, Emmerdale has robust policies in place to deal with any allegations brought to our attention and take the appropriate steps.’
It was 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 told The Sun: ‘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.
Oh dear: Neither actor had been formally suspended by the producers of the Yorkshire-based soap, but they have not filmed scenes since September
‘An accusation was also made that the actress’s accent had been mimicked.’
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 was continuing to film ‘as normal’, though she wished she ‘wasn’t entangled in it.’
The publication reported that the ‘issue was far from solved’ and as two of Emmerdale’s biggest stars their sudden absence from set caused 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
Both Matthew and Isabel were embroiled in the soap’s huge Super Soap Week stunt in October, 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.
Drama: Both Matthew and Isabel were embroiled in the soap’s huge Super Soap Week stunt in October (pictured) where their characters had plunged into fast-flowing rapids after the rope bridge collapsed
