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Chris Fountain has been suspended from Corrie over a shocking rap song.

He issued a grovelling apology last night, saying he was “ashamed” about the lyrics which glorify violence and rape.

A video posted online showed Chris, 25, in a mask performing the sick rap as his alter-ego The Phantom.

Wearing a zombie Halloween mask and baseball cap covered by a hoodie he rants: “I will ******* anybody up in the worst way, rape a bitch on her birthday.”

One of the other lyrics goes: “I’m a mother*******ing demon, I’ll stab you in the face with a diseased needle.”

In the video, seen by thousands on YouTube before Chris turned on privacy settings, he also brags about orgies and threatens to “slice a rival with a machete”.

One person who saw the footage said: “It was vile – every second word was ‘**********’.” Angry bosses at the ITV soap took immediate action when the video emerged.

Chris, who has played mechanic Tommy Duckworth since 2011, said: “I would like to sincerely apologise for any offence I have caused.

"I am deeply ashamed by the lyrics and very much regret my behaviour.

"The videos were made over a year ago when I was experimenting with music and I’ve not done anything like it since, nor will I.”

Show bosses said: “ITV find the language used and the views expressed in this video totally unacceptable.

"Chris Fountain has been suspended pending further inquiries into this matter.”

Fay Maxted, chief executive The Survivors Trust, an umbrella organisation for 135 rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse groups, said: “This is absolutely shocking.

“He is a high-profile character and this shows a complete lack of regard for women at all.”

A few weeks ago the star, whose Corrie contract lasts until February, admitted he feared he would get the boot from the soap when on-screen lover Michelle Keegan departs the show next year.

The scandal follows in the wake of Corrie stars Michael Le Vell and Bill Roache both facing child sex trials in the coming months.

They have denied any wrongdoing.