The Chop permanently axed after Sky admits contestant's tattoos 'could' be connected to far-right

Channel will not air any more episodes following investigation

Sky has permantly axed a woodwork talent show after admitting a contestant’s tattoos could have far-right links.

“The Chop: Britain's Next Top Woodworker” was hit by controversy after viewers noticed a participant had a common Nazi symbol inked on his face.

Several of contestant Darren’s tattoos were of numbers known to be commonly used as code for neo-Nazi and white supremacist messages.

He had the number 88 inked on his cheek, which is often used as a numerical code for Heil Hitler, H being the eighth letter of the alphabet. 

Sky previously denied that Darren’s tattoos have any "political or ideological meaning".

However, the channel said no more episodes of the show would be broadcast following an independent investigation.

"A contestant's tattoos included symbols that could be connected to far-right ideologies and could cause offence,” an AETN UK spokesperson said.

“We sincerely apologise for that and we are sorry that our processes did not prompt further investigation at an earlier stage.

"The contestant continues to strenuously deny that he has, or ever had, far-right leanings. We are thoroughly reviewing our internal processes following the investigation.”

They added: "AETN UK and Sky History stand against racism and hate speech of all kinds."

The first episode was aired on Sky History this month, but the rest had been put on hold after an investigation was launched amid the tattoo controversy.  

The channel initially said: “The production team carried out extensive background checks on all the woodworkers taking part in the show, that confirmed Darren has no affiliations or links to racist groups, views or comments.

Additional reporting by Press Association