Chris Fountain
Chris Fountain performed the controversial rap as alter-ego The Phantom.

Coronation Street star Chris Fountain has said ITV chiefs had "no choice" but to axe him from the soap after footage of him glorifying rape and violence in a rap song emerged online.

The 25-year-old, who has played mechanic Tommy Duckworth since 2011, was sacked after he failed to defend his decision to perform the inflammatory song as masked rapper The Phantom.

His contract was terminated following a showdown meeting with producer Stuart Blackburn and other executives.

"I completely understand that ITV had no choice but to terminate my contract today," Fountain said in statment.

"I have had two wonderful years playing Tommy Duckworth with only happy memories of my time on Coronation Street.

"I am mortified that I have brought so much embarrassment to my colleagues and employers these last few days."

Fountain's video, posted on YouTube, featured the star discussing violent themes.

Dressed in a Halloween zombie mask, the former Strictly Come Dancing contestant raps: "I'm a motherf***ing demon, I'll stab you in the face with a diseased needle.

"I will f**k anybody up in the worst way, rape a bitch on her birthday."

He also rants about orgies and threatens to "slice a rival with a machete".

Fountain's contract was due to run until February, but it is believed to have been officially scrapped for 'gross misconduct'.

He added: "My biggest regret... is not to do with losing my job, but that I have hurt and let down so many people including those in a vulnerable situation and I am so very deeply ashamed of this.

As his character cannot be edited out immediately, Tommy Duckworth will still feature in a few episodes before being writen out in a storyline.

Show bosses have defended their decision to fire the actor after his initial suspension.

An ITV spokesman said: "Chris Fountain's contract with ITV has been terminated as a result of the unacceptable comments he made in a number of online clips."