EastEnders actor Shane Richie is to appear in court charged with drink-driving, police have said.

Essex Police confirmed it was called to reports of a suspected drink-driver in the Church Langley Way area of Harlow, shortly before 23:20 BST on Wednesday.

A force spokesman confirmed the 62-year-old, of Tadworth, Surrey, was arrested and a charge of drink-driving had been authorised against him.

It added Richie, real name Shane Roche, was due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on 9 September.

Richie plays Alfie Moon in EastEnders, making his first appearance in the BBC soap in 2002.

The Sun reported he was arrested, external at a Tesco petrol station forecourt.

Essex Police said: “Officers were called to reports of a suspected drink-driver in the area of Church Langley Way, Harlow, shortly before 23:20 on Wednesday, 29 July.

“On arrival, officers arrested a man.

“A charge of drink-driving has subsequently been authorised against Shane Roche, 62, of Tadworth, Surrey.”

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