ONE of Britain's biggest soaps has withdrawn its entry from Bafta's Best Soap and Continuing Drama category after one of its top writers admitted to assaulting his partner.
The show stood a high chance of taking home the gong at this year's ceremony celebrating the best of the TV world, which is set to take place in May.
But they felt it was inappropriate given they would have been winning on the back of featuring a a domestic abuse storyline.
Now bosses at Emmerdale have decided they can't remain in the running for the award, after one of its creative team, Martin Fustes, attacked his girlfriend.
He admitted to the offence at Hull Crown Court, and quit his job on the Yorkshire-based show, which is now one of ITV's biggest programmes.
The Bafta team today wrote to members of Bafta telling them: "ITV and Emmerdale have taken the decision to withdraw from the soap category from this year's awards.
"This is in consideration of recent news involving a member of the scriptwriting team."
The move severely disrupts the judging process for the category, with those who were voting on who the winner could be contacted by Bafta.
They were told: "We need to inform you of a change to the entries in Round two of voting in the Soap category for the TV Awards.
"For anyone who has already submitted a vote for Emmerdale, we will shortly be in touch with more information about the next steps, including how to recast your votes."
An Emmerdale spokeswoman said: "ITV and Emmerdale have taken the decision to withdraw the episode nominations from this year's BAFTA TV Awards.
"This is in consideration of developments in recent days involving a member of the scriptwriting team."
Emmerdale won plaudits for its handling of a domestic abuse storyline involving Belle, played by Eden Taylor Draper, who is the victim of coercive behaviour meted out by Tom, played by James Chase.
After months of mental torture she eventually finds the strength to take a stand against the villain.
Belle faced off against Tom in court and he was found guilty.
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – [email protected].
Women’s Aid provides a - available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
The soap aired dramatisations of the real-life experiences of survivors of domestic abuse in the hour-long special.
Tom returned months later for a final appearance from prison when Belle demanded a divorce, finally free of him.
