By Samantha Jones-
EastEnders star Shane Richie will stand trial next year after pleading not guilty to a drink-driving charge.
The actor, who is best known for playing Alfie Moon in the BBC soap, appeared before Colchester Magistrates’ Court by video link on Wednesday. Richie, 62, appeared under his real name, Shane Roche, and denied the allegation. The charge relates to an incident in Harlow, Essex, on July 29.
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The court heard that police were called to a Tesco petrol station in Church Langley Way at around 11.15pm following reports of a suspected drink-driver.
Prosecutor Vladimir Silea told the court that Richie was arrested and taken to Harlow police station. Officers then carried out a drink and drug-driving procedure. The court heard that a breath sample allegedly recorded 65 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit for drivers in England and Wales is 35 micrograms.
Richie entered a not guilty plea during Wednesday’s hearing.
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His appearance was briefly interrupted when his video connection dropped. When the connection was restored, he apologised to Deputy District Judge Christopher Maynard.
Richie told the judge that he was staying in a hotel in the north of England.
The actor was granted unconditional bail and was told he must attend court in person for his trial.
The trial has been listed for November 17, 2027, at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.
Richie has played Alfie Moon on and off in EastEnders since 2002. The character has become one of the soap’s best-known figures, with Alfie involved in a number of major storylines over the years. Away from EastEnders, Richie has also presented television programmes and appeared regularly in theatre and pantomime. He also took part in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2020, finishing in fourth place.
His solicitor, Raj Chada, said Richie would not comment while the criminal proceedings were ongoing.
A statement issued on his behalf said: “My client is not commenting at this time because criminal proceedings are active. We ask for his privacy to be respected while the court process takes its course.”
The allegation against Richie has not been proved. He has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty by a court.
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