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

Coronation Street star Chris Fountain has been suspended from the ITV 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, performed the inflammatory song as The Phantom.

Dressed in Halloween zombie mask, he 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".

After show bosses were alerted to the YouTube video, Fountain was dropped "pending further inquiries into this matter".

"ITV find the language used and the views expressed in this video totally unacceptable," an ITV spokesperson said.

Fountain, who previously appeared in Hollyoaks, 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."

Fay Maxted, chief executive of the Survivors Trust, an umbrella organisation for victims of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse, said that Fountain should be held accountable because he was a role model to young fans.

"This is absolutely shocking," she said. "He is a high-profile character and this shows a complete lack of regard for women."