EastEnders star Shane Richie pleads not guilty to drink-driving

EastEnders actor Shane Richie has pleaded not guilty to drink-driving.

The 62-year-old, best known for playing Alfie Moon in the long-running soap, faces a trial next year.

He appeared by video-link before Colchester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday under his real name, Shane Roche.

The actor spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address and to enter his plea.

The video-link to the court briefly dropped out, but when the connection returned he said: "Sorry, I'm in a hotel up north."

Richie, of Tadworth, Surrey, is accused of driving a white Hyundai car in Church Langley Way, Harlow, Essex, while above the legal limit for alcohol on 29 July.

He is alleged to have provided a breath sample of 65 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol.

Vladimir Silea, prosecuting, said police attended a Tesco petrol station in Church Langley Way at 11.15pm where Richie was arrested and taken to Harlow police station.

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He said that officers "commenced the drink and drug-driving procedure" at the police station, and the lower reading provided was of 65 micrograms of alcohol.

Deputy District Judge Christopher Maynard bailed Richie until 17 November 2027, when he is due to stand trial at the same court.

Richie, who came fourth on I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2020, has also hosted a number of TV game shows and appeared in pantomimes.

(c) Sky News 2026: EastEnders star Shane Richie pleads not guilty to drink-driving