EastEnders has been thrown into disarray following the arrest of long-serving star Shane Richie, 62, who plays Alfie Moon on the BBC soap. Richie, whose real name is Shaun Roche, was arrested on July 29 for drink-driving at a Tesco petrol station, according to The Sun.
The father of four is scheduled to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on September 9, as confirmed by a police spokesman. The incident has reportedly sparked a 'favouritism' row among the cast.
Co-stars claim unfair treatment
An insider told The Sun that some EastEnders actors are growing frustrated that certain stars are seen as 'holy' and 'untouchable'. This comes after Richie was granted time off later this year for a lucrative pantomime role, reportedly earning a six-figure sum.
The source said: "Nothing will happen [to Shane]. Nothing ever does for the favourites. Jessie [Wallace] and Shane are both given time off to effectively double their salaries, while others aren't allowed unless it works for the show."
They added: "They say it's down to the story, but when it's the same people allowed time off time and time again, then it seems like it's not about the story and more about keeping a select few happy."
Arrest details
Video footage from the scene reportedly shows Richie in a heated argument with staff after being challenged about using an e-cigarette on the petrol station forecourt. When staff told him vaping was not allowed, he allegedly replied: "It's not smoking, it's a vape."
In the footage obtained by The Sun, Richie is heard saying: "What, you're filming me? All right, I'm going to film you." As he walked back to his car, he said: "This is not a vape." When staff reiterated the risk, he responded: "Yeah, I don't give a f***."
He then asked two female staff members to do him 'a favour' and tell the person recording to 'go away'. One of the women, who identified herself as the store manager, called the police, telling them: "He started getting aggressive, and he started vaping, so smoking an electric cigarette." Richie continued to deny this, insisting: "Not smoking a cigarette."
Police arrived shortly after, and Essex Police later confirmed the arrest. Express.co.uk has contacted representatives for Shane Richie and BBC EastEnders for comment.
