LOVE IT OR loathe it, there’s no denying that Fair City quickly became part of Irish TV tapestry following its launch back in 1989.

The comings and goings in Carrigstown has drawn in hundreds of thousands of viewers every week for three decades at this stage, so it’s no real surprise that both fans and cast members took umbrage with a critique offered by Vikings actor, Elijah Rowen.

According to reports, the Dublin-born actor, who plays Asbjorn in the Emmy-nominated show, branded the Irish soap ‘a joke’.

Personally I think Fair City is embarrassing. I understand actors might do it for financial gain, but if you really want to be accepted in the acting world you wouldn’t do it.

“If you want to talk artistry or expressionally, it’s a joke,” he is reported as saying.

Initially, the 25-year-old actor denied the reports and took to Instagram to warn followers about ‘believing everything they hear online’.

Don’t believe everything you hear online… I respect anyone who’s grinding away in this industry… And you don’t know someone until you actually know them.

Response was skeptical, however. In other words, people weren’t buying it.

As a result, Elijah has since issued a statement to Independent.ie apologising for his remarks, stating that he had been ‘caught off-guard’.

I have the deepest respect for any actor out there working and making the grind. I was caught off guard at a social event in the early hours and spoke in error.

“This is absolutely my mistake, and I apologise for any hurt my foolish words have caused. I’m a young actor – new to the industry with a lot to learn,” he continued.

I feel bad especially as I know some of the great actors who have been on Fair City and know how hard they work.

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