JANEY Godley has apologised for “horridly offensive” social media posts after they surfaced online.

The comedian said her profession was “no excuse to use disgusting and hurtful words”.

The offensive tweets – which have prompted a complaint from a Tory MSP about "unacceptable references" to disabled people and Chernobyl disaster victims – were re-shared by social media users after new coronavirus safety adverts featuring Godley were broadcast on television.

She has issued an apology on her Twitter account.

It reads: “There are tweets from my past social media that are horridly offensive, I believe in progress not perfection and I am far from perfect. People have every right to go through my social media and see what values I hold and to find hurtful phrases and statements is shocking, I am deeply sorry to everyone I offended.

“Comedy is no excuse to use disgusting and hurtful words that affect people and I know many of you expected better of me. I apologise for every single word that upset people, I should have blocked and reported the accounts that threatened me and not replied with abhorrent heckles."

The comedian added: “There are fake tweets created to damage my reputation but the ones I wrote I take responsibility for.

“During this pandemic, I tried to keep everyone's spirits up and I will continue to do my best to keep that going.”

Godley is well known for her comedy voiceovers of high-profile figures, including Nicola Sturgeon.

The offensive tweets have prompted a Conservative MSP to raise concerns about the comedian's role in an upcoming pantomime production.

She is set to appear in the Beauty and the Beast pantomime production at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, in December.

Douglas Lumsden, Tory MSP for the North East region and former Aberdeen Council co-leader, took to social media to say he’d contacted theatre bosses over concerns about posts which make "unacceptable references" to disabled people and Chernobyl victims.

Writing to the chief executive of Aberdeen Performing Arts, Jane Spiers, Lumsden said it is “concerning that the lead performer in this year’s pantomime in Janey Godley, undoubtedly a well-known actor but one with a history of offensive and derogatory language on social media”.

Theatre chiefs are standing by Godley, however. Aberdeen Performing Arts defended the comedian and said it would not consider the tweets "a reason for banning her from our venues".

Godley has also received messages of solidarity from high-profile comics.

David Baddiel commented: "All this will pass. And you'll still be funny."

Dawn French added: "Hello Janey. I’m not new to your Twitter but I’m dropping by to say Hello because I love you."

The Scot later thanked those who sent her supportive messages.

She tweeted: "What an amazing out pouring of love for me, thanks – we have to put our hands up when we use offensive language that upsets people and I am willing to do that – many many people were rightly offended at stuff I said and you have to own it – comedy or not."