Jason Manford has become embroiled in a controversy following his heartfelt, expletive-packed Facebook post condemning the attackers in Paris as cowards for killing innocent people just out enjoying themselves.

He went on to say: "For what? In whose name? Are you doing this in the name of your god? Cos I've got news for you, if you think your 'god' is gonna reward you for this type of atrocity then your god is a massive cunt."

After his post appeared, Manford's Facebook profile was removed for breaching guidelines. Manford defended his words, saying that he was only doing what others do on social media and  "sharing his opinion".

His profile was later reinstated but the post  is now gone. Screengrabs of his post (pictured), however, were widely shared on social media.

He later clarifed his position with an extended Twitter reply (quoted unedited here) to make it clear that he is not islamophobic or anti-religion: "I have no problem with people going about their day, making their lives feel better by visiting their m church/mosque/synagogue and praying to whoever they want to. In fact I kinda like it, my kids and divali song, I enjoy a good iftar and I adore Christmas. I don't mind religion at all for people who keep it to themselves and enjoy it privately. But extremists are not the same as us."