Shane Richie charged drink-driving after Essex incident

Actor Shane Richie has been charged with drink-driving following an incident at a petrol station in Essex on Wednesday, July 29. The 62-year-old, best known for playing Alfie Moon on the BBC soap opera EastEnders, is scheduled to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, September 9.

The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. at a Tesco garage forecourt in Harlow. According to video footage and reports, Richie, whose legal name is Shane Roche, drove his white Hyundai onto the empty forecourt. Staff members approached him after observing him using an electronic cigarette. While vaping is not illegal at petrol stations, many retailers prohibit it due to safety concerns that the devices could produce sparks.

In the footage, staff informed Richie that vaping was not permitted. The actor reportedly responded by stating, "It's not smoking, it's a vape," and later used explicit language when challenged. One employee recorded the interaction, stating it was for police evidence and that the vape posed a risk. Richie was filmed retorting, "What, you're filming me? Alright, I'm going to film you." He then approached two female workers outside the kiosk, one of whom identified...