ITV has pulled Emmerdale from BAFTA consideration after writer Martin Fustes admitted to assaulting his girlfriend.

Mr Fustes, who has more than 750 writing credits with the programme, made this admission while facing charges of causing actual bodily harm, intentional suffocation and assault.

A spokesperson for ITV said the broadcaster is "shocked and appalled" by his behaviour, adding that he would no longer be involved with the soap opera.

ITV 'shocked and appalled' by Emmerdale writer Martin Fustes's behaviour

ITV said it was 'shocked and appalled' by the behaviorITV said it was 'shocked and appalled' by his behaviour (Image: ITV) They said: “We were shocked and appalled to learn about the recent court case involving Emmerdale writer, Martin Fustes. Mr Fustes is a freelance writer and he has been informed that he will no longer be writing for Emmerdale.

“Everyone at ITV and Emmerdale abhors domestic abuse, which is why we have been highlighting the issue in a major storyline over the last 12 months. The Emmerdale production team were not aware of these charges against Mr Fustes until we were alerted over the weekend.”

In light of this, the broadcaster has also opted to remove the show from consideration at this year's BAFTAs.

Emmerdale was pulled from BAFTA consideration by ITVEmmerdale was pulled from BAFTA consideration by ITV (Image: PA) The spokesperson added: “ITV and Emmerdale have taken the decision to withdraw from the Soap category from this year’s BAFTA TV awards. This is in consideration of recent news involving a member of the scriptwriting team.”

After admitting to the charges during the hearing at Hull Crown Court, the writer was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence and was instructed to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, a 15-day rehabilitation programme and a 26-month probation service domestic abuse programme.

He was also told to pay £2000 in compensation, £150 in court costs and issued a 10 year restraining order.