Shane Richie's son, Shane Jr., recently made a pointed remark about his father's recent drink-driving arrest during a live performance.
Richie, 62, who stars as Alfie Moon in the BBC soap EastEnders, was charged with drink-driving following an incident at a Tesco petrol station in Harlow, Essex, where he was reportedly challenged for vaping on the premises. Police were called to the scene, and Richie was subsequently arrested and charged. He is scheduled to appear in court next month.
During his show, titled "This Is Me," at London's Bush Hall on Sunday, Shane Jr., 37, alluded to the arrest. "The more you drink the funnier I get," he reportedly told the audience. "Is anyone having a drink tonight? But remember don’t drink and drive. Don’t do it."
He also addressed the audience's questions about his decision to drop the Richie surname in 2017, opting instead for his mother Coleen Nolan's maiden name. Richie and Nolan were married in 1990, had two sons, and divorced in 1999, following Richie's infidelity.
"I used to be called Shane Richie Jnr and I changed it to Shane Nolan," he explained. "A lot of people have asked me why and it is because I just go with the parent who is most famous to get paid more. I have to admit my mum is smashing it."
Sources close to Shane Richie have expressed concern about his well-being, suggesting he may be struggling with the demanding schedule of his role on EastEnders and upcoming tour rehearsals. The reports indicate that his drinking habits have intensified under stress, and there is speculation that the BBC may take the incident seriously, potentially leading to a suspension from the show. It is a criminal offense to smoke at a petrol station due to fire risks, though vaping is not specifically illegal, petrol station companies often prohibit it due to similar concerns.
