Shane Richie, the 62-year-old television host and performer best recognised for his role as Alfie Moon in EastEnders, is facing a drink-driving charge.
The actor, whose full name is Shane Roche, was taken into custody in Harlow on July 29.
Essex Police reported that officers attended reports of a suspected intoxicated driver on Church Langley Way in Harlow just before 11.20pm on Wednesday July 29.
Richie has been summoned to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on September 9, a force spokesperson said.
Attempts have been made to reach Richie for a statement.
Before rising to fame through the BBC soap, the star initially achieved recognition as both a stage and screen actor.
Since debuting the character in 2002, he has portrayed Alfie Moon in multiple runs on the programme and continues in the role presently.
The performer took part in the twentieth season of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here, securing fourth position, and has hosted various BBC quiz programmes such as Reflex, Win Your Wish List and Decimate.
New family joining EastEnders cast
The BBC has announced that a family consisting of five characters will be introduced to EastEnders during the summer months.
The newcomers are distant relations of Nicola Mitchell, bringing long-standing grievances and tangled familial connections with them.
Viewers will recall that Nicola maintains a poor relationship with her relatives and has remained estranged from them.
Gemma Hawkins, portrayed by Patricia Potter, and her husband Ned Roper, played by Jamie Bamber, will relocate to Walford alongside their son Ryder, portrayed by Felix Uff. Gemma’s mother Rose, played by Marian McLoughlin, and Nicola’s youngest sibling Jodie, portrayed by Anna Constable, will also feature.
Executive producer Ben Wadey said the Hawkins family represent an excellent fit for Walford.
He explained that while the family maintain deep bonds with one another, years of intricate history and Nicola’s separation from them have created divisions within the family that remain unresolved.
He expressed enthusiasm about the storyline plans for the family and anticipation for viewers to get to know them.