Eagled-eyed Emmerdale viewers are convinced Ellis Chapman has already been ‘replaced’, after actor Asan N’Jie was sacked this week.
The future of Asan’s character looks uncertain after the actor who played him was dismissed “with immediate effect” on Wednesday – leaving scriptwriters with the unenviable task of having to hurriedly come up with a plan to explain his absence.
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However, some fans believe they spotted his ‘replacement’ during scenes on Thursday (September 12).
The character has been so far absent from the ITV soap, ever since his regretful behaviour at Monday’s TV Choice Awards where he was filmed threatening to kill fellow soap star Jamie Lomas.
And last night was no exception.
Read more: Emmerdale fans fear for Billy’s future after Asan N’Jie was sacked
When The Woolpack football team came together for a match, Ellis was noticeably missing.
The usual members – Pete Barton, Matty Barton, Paddy Kirk, Marlon Dingle, Ellis’s brother Billy and dad Al – were all there, but Ellis was nowhere to be seen.
Instead, another man was playing in goal, something fans were quick to comment on.
One person wrote: “Wow, how did Emmerdale erase every scene with Ellis in it already?”
Another added: “Seems very disjointed tonight, like they’ve cut scenes. Have they cut scenes with Ellis already?”
A third agreed, typing: “Soooo… No one is going to mention the sudden disappearance of Ellis? Wouldn’t a fitness nut like him be in the football team? Bizarre.”
“You could hear them shouting at Ellis to pass the ball,” observed one more baffled fan.
Have they edited tonights episodes of #Emmerdale because I haven't seen Ellis at all.
— Jodi (@Jodi_Rushworth) September 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/Stacey_Cruise/status/1172231009896718336
https://twitter.com/Pifflestuff/status/1172209961105022977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1172209961105022977&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Ftvandshowbiz%2F9918071%2Femmerdale-fans-think-asan-njie-was-cut-from-soap-as-they-spot-his-replacement%2F
#emmerdale wow how did emmerdale erase every scene with ellis in it already ?
— Berni W (@Charisma0392) September 12, 2019
https://twitter.com/sammy1lw/status/1172230387281604608
They’ve simply erased the Ellis character without a word !#emmerdale
— Andrew S.. (@Andrewclink7) September 12, 2019
Can't help but wonder if this scene with all the guys sitting round is a late addition to allow for any deleted ellis scenes? #emmerdale
— Steph O'Hara (@stephohara) September 12, 2019
“Wow, a month worth of story wrapped up in one hour. Very sad. Quick filming. Bye bye Ellis. I’m guessing you’re off to Dubai with your mum,” commented another.
Ellis may have ‘disappeared’ but, with the soap filmed four to six weeks in advance, the character of Ellis should remain on screen until October.
Asan was sacked on Wednesday andreportedly escorted out by staff.
ITV said in a statement: “Emmerdale suspended Asan N’Jie yesterday pending further investigation into an incident at a central London hotel on Monday night.
“ITV executives have met with him this morning and as a consequence Asan’s contract has been terminated with immediate effect.”
Asan released his own statement, in which he apologised, saying: “My behaviour at the TV Choice Awards was completely unacceptable and very much out of character.”
Will you miss the character of Ellis in Emmerdale? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!