Actor Shane Richie, known for his role as Alfie Moon in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, is reportedly growing closer to his co-star Jessie Wallace, who plays Kat Slater. This development comes in the wake of Richie's recent divorce from his wife Christie Goddard and a recent drink-driving charge.
Richie and Goddard officially divorced after 19 years of marriage. Sources suggest that Wallace has been a supportive presence for Richie during this difficult period. An insider stated that Wallace has been a "shoulder to cry on for Shane" and expressed concern over his behavior, noting that he appeared to be struggling. The insider added that Wallace, who has a long-standing professional relationship with Richie, "knows him inside out" and has been there for him since she recognized he was not in a good place.
The divorce was reportedly finalized on July 23, just six days before Richie, 62, was involved in an incident at a petrol station in Harlow, Essex. He was challenged by staff after being seen vaping at the Tesco petrol station. Footage of the encounter shows Richie initially arguing that vaping is not smoking. When confronted about filming, he claimed it was not a vape. After staff indicated that vaping posed a risk, Richie responded dismissively. The petrol station manager subsequently called the police, reporting Richie as aggressive. Richie was later arrested and charged with drink-driving, with a court appearance scheduled for the following month. He is legally permitted to drive until convicted.
Reports indicate that Richie's wife, Christie Goddard, 47, initiated the divorce, having grown "fed-up with his spiraling behaviour." A source told The Sun that Goddard had reached her limit and that the divorce was her decision, made after discussions with relatives. The source suggested that there was no single incident, but rather a buildup of behaviors that led to the end of the marriage, describing a pattern of Richie working and playing hard, with his behavior spiraling. Goddard has reportedly not asked Richie to leave their family home, and her primary concern is their three children. She was reportedly "shocked" by Richie's arrest and hopes it will serve as a "wake-up call."