EastEnders actor Shane Richie has been charged with drink-driving after being arrested following an incident at a Tesco petrol station in Harlow, Essex. The 62-year-old star, best known for playing Alfie Moon in the BBC soap, is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on September 9. Essex Police confirmed a charge had been authorised against Richie, whose real name is Shane Roche.

The arrest came after officers were called to reports of a suspected drink-driver in Church Langley Way shortly after 11.20pm on Wednesday, July 29.

According to footage obtained by The Sun, Richie had driven his white Hyundai into the forecourt, reportedly with what appeared to be a flat tyre. The actor then became involved in a heated exchange with petrol station staff after being told he was not permitted to vape on the premises.

Holding an e-cigarette, Richie reportedly responded: “I don’t give a f**k,” before insisting: “It’s not smoking, it’s a vape.”

When he realised a member of staff was filming the incident, the actor allegedly became frustrated and said: “What, you’re filming me? Alright, I’m going to film you.”

A staff member can be heard explaining their actions, saying: “I have to get it on video for the police. That is a vape, and that’s a risk in this petrol station.”

Richie then reportedly approached two female employees outside the kiosk and asked them to tell their colleague to “go away”. However, one informed him that she was the site manager.

It is claimed the manager then contacted police, telling them: “He started getting aggressive, and he started vaping, so smoking an electric cigarette.”

Leaning against his vehicle while allegedly waiting for assistance with his tyre, Richie reportedly shouted back: “Not smoking a cigarette.”

The footage reportedly shows officers arriving at the forecourt and being directed towards Richie. One officer can allegedly be heard telling him: “These guys have said you might have been drinking and that you’ve driven this vehicle in here.”

The video then cuts off before Richie is seen walking towards a police vehicle. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.

Confirming the charge, Essex Police said in a statement: “Officers were called to reports of a suspected drink driver in Church Langley Way, Harlow, shortly before 11.20pm on Wednesday, July 29. On arrival, officers arrested a man. A charge of drink-driving has subsequently been authorised against Shane Roche, 62, of Surrey.”

Richie has played Alfie Moon on and off since making his EastEnders debut in 2002, becoming one of the show's most recognisable and popular characters. Outside of Albert Square, he has built a successful career as a television presenter, entertainer and pantomime performer.

The news comes shortly after reports that Richie and his EastEnders co-star Jessie Wallace, who plays Kat Slater, will be taking a temporary break from the soap to pursue other projects.

Wallace is set to appear as Captain Hook in the New Wimbledon Theatre’s production of Peter Pan, while Richie will star as Muddles in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend-on-Sea.

Representatives for Richie have been approached for comment.

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