Shane Richie has resumed filming for the BBC soap opera EastEnders, reprising his character Alfie Moon, following a drink-driving charge and the dissolution of his marriage. The 62-year-old actor was seen back on the North London set, filming scenes with co-star Jessie Wallace, who plays on-screen wife Kat Slater.
Richie was charged with drink-driving after an incident at a Tesco petrol station in Harlow, Essex, earlier this month. According to reports, police were called following a verbal altercation with petrol station staff after Richie was seen vaping on the premises. He was subsequently arrested and charged. He is scheduled to appear in court next month. Legally, individuals charged with drink-driving can continue to drive until convicted.
Despite the legal proceedings, EastEnders bosses are reportedly standing by Richie. An insider told The Sun that the actor received a reprimand from BBC executives over the incident but that the show intends to support him through his personal difficulties. Richie is described as a significant presence on the show, and cast and crew are said to be offering him assistance.
The actor's personal life has been marked by considerable upheaval. The drink-driving charge followed the finalization of his divorce from his wife of 19 years, Christie Goddard. The couple's £1.75 million, five-bedroom home in Surrey, which they purchased in 2008, has reportedly been sold subject to contract. Their divorce was said to have been finalized on July 23, just days before the petrol station incident.
Sources close to Richie have expressed concern that he may be experiencing a downward spiral, potentially impacting his role on the show. The demanding filming schedule for his character, who recently took over as landlord of the Queen Vic, combined with preparations for an upcoming tour in September, has been cited as a source of stress. Reports suggest that BBC bosses are taking the incident seriously, and a suspension has not been ruled out.
Richie and Goddard, who share three children, married in 2007. The end of their marriage was reportedly initiated by Goddard, who was described as being at the end of her tether with Richie's behavior. The decision to divorce was reportedly a gradual one, stemming from a build-up of issues rather than a single event.