EastEnders Star Shane Richie Faces Drink-Drive Trial After Petrol Station Row as Actor Denies Charge

EastEnders star Shane Richie will face trial next year after pleading not guilty to a drink-driving charge following an incident at a petrol station in Essex.

The 62-year-old actor, best known for playing Alfie Moon in the BBC soap, appeared before Colchester Magistrates' Court by video link on Wednesday under his real name, Shane Roche.

Richie is accused of driving a white Hyundai on Church Langley Way in Harlow while above the legal alcohol limit on 29 July. He denies the charge.

Police Called to Tesco Petrol Station

The case relates to an incident at a Tesco petrol station in Church Langley Way shortly before midnight. A footage showed Richie becoming involved in a heated exchange with workers after being told that vaping was considered a safety risk at the petrol station.

Prosecutor Vladimir Silea told the court police attended the petrol station at around 11:15pm before Richie was arrested and taken to Harlow police station. Officers then carried out drink and drug-driving procedures.

Richie was arrested at the petrol station on 29 July and was charged with having 65 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, above the prescribed limit.

The legal limit in England and Wales is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres. The prosecution therefore alleges that Richie's reading was almost twice the permitted limit.

Richie entered a plea of not guilty during Wednesday's hearing.

Actor Apologises After Court Video Link Drops

The hearing also briefly took an unusual turn when Richie's video connection to the court was interrupted. When the connection was restored, the actor apologised to the judge.

'Sorry, I'm in a hotel up north,' Richie said. He confirmed his name, date of birth and address before entering his not-guilty plea.

Deputy District Judge Christopher Maynard subsequently bailed Richie ahead of his trial. The actor is due to return to Colchester Magistrates' Court on 17 November 2027.

Who Is Shane Richie?

Richie has been one of British television's most recognisable entertainers for decades.

He is best known for playing Alfie Moon in EastEnders and has also worked as a television presenter and performer. He appeared on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2020, finishing fourth, and has hosted several television game shows.

His court appearance comes while he continues to work as an actor and performer. Richie has not publicly commented on the allegations beyond entering his not-guilty plea.

His lawyer, Raj Chada of Hodge Jones & Allen, said his client was not commenting because criminal proceedings were active and asked for his privacy to be respected while the case continued.

What Happens Next?

The drink-driving allegation will now proceed through the court system, with Richie remaining on bail until his next appearance. The prosecution must prove that Richie was driving while over the legal alcohol limit.

The alleged breath reading of 65 micrograms is central to the case, while the defence will have the opportunity to challenge the prosecution evidence during the proceedings. Richie remains legally presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case has attracted attention because of the actor's long association with EastEnders and the circumstances surrounding the police response at the Harlow petrol station. For now, the actor has denied the allegation and is expected to return to court when the case progresses.