Ben Freeman axed from 'Emmerdale'
From DS
Ben Freeman has been told that his Emmerdale contract will not be renewed.
The actor, who played mechanic Scott Windsor, has been on a leave of absence from the soap since being charged with rape in Barbados in December last year.
An ITV spokesman told the News of the World: "We cannot be sure of Ben's availability for work, so we cannot renew his contract. It is due to the uncertainty of the process of law and the lead times in writing a character in and out of a soap."
Freeman said: "I am focusing on the legal proceedings in Barbados and look forward to speaking to ITV once this situation is behind me."
A TV source added: "This was the bad news Ben desperately didn't want."
'Dales star in Barbados for rape trial
Ben Freeman has appeared in court in Barbados after being accused of raping a 16-year-old girl.
The former Emmerdale star is alleged to have forced the girl to have sex with him against her will by a hotel pool in November 2006.
Director of Public Prosecutions Charles Leacock outlined to the jury what he believes took place.
"They were in the smaller pool swimming when the complainant says the accused made advances by kissing her on the lips," he said
"She will tell you she protested his advances. He then lifted her out of the pool and placed her in one of the lounge chairs around the pool.
"He proceeded to have sexual intercourse with her without her consent... She will tell you she protested and she cried and begged him not to."
Freeman, who played Scott Windsor in the ITV soap, denies the charges.
The trial continues.