EastEnders star Shane Richie and his wife Christie have divorced after 19 years of marriage, according to a report. The 62-year-old actor, known to millions as Alfie Moon in the BBC soap, had married 47-year-old Christie Goddard in 2007.
The couple are said to be no more, and are believed to have called time on their marriage after almost two decades, amid troubled times for the soap actor. Shane and Christie share three children together, while he is also father to sons Shane Jr., 38, and Jake, 33, from his first marriage to Loose Women star Coleen Nolan, 61.
Divorce finalised last month
News of Shane and Christie's divorce has emerged this weekend, but it is reported that the marriage was officially ended last month. The BBC star then found himself at the centre of a drink-drive arrest scandal days later.
The Sun claims Christine herself confirmed that she and Shane had divorced when asked about it at their home. The Mirror has contacted the couple's representatives for comment.
Drink-drive incident in Essex
According to a timeline, the divorce was finalised on July 23, and then six days later, Shane was involved in a drink-drive incident in Harlow, Essex. Footage emerged of him arguing with staff at a petrol station where he was asked not to smoke a vape.
The actor argued with the staff, only to be arrested by police who arrived on the scene soon after. The incident is said to have angered EastEnders colleagues who are far from impressed that he will now need to appear in court.
Son's public quip
Following the arrest, Shane was ridiculed by his eldest son who was hosting an event at Shepherd's Bush with his mum, Coleen. Shane Jr quipped: “The more you drink the funnier I get. Is anyone having a drink tonight? But remember don’t drink and drive. Don’t do it.”
Shane Jr reportedly continued: “What? What? I am driving home… there is lots to talk about. What am I doing after the show? I am taking my eight month old baby and my beautiful girlfriend back to Staffordshire. That is what I am doing. I won’t be driving. I am drinking tonight.”
Coleen's relationship history
Shane and Coleen were married in 1990, split in 1997, and finalised their own divorce in 1999. She went on to marry musician Ray Fensome in 2007 with whom she welcomed a daughter. This marriage was also not to last, however, and Coleen and Ray divorced in 2018, but have reportedly remained close.
More recently, Coleen has gone Instagram official with a toyboy named Ryan Brockbank, who is believed to be in his 40s. The Loose Women star had recently attempted to find love on TV by taking part in the E4 reality romance show Celebs Go Dating, however, she failed to partner up during her time on the show.
