Police have reportedly arrested an EastEnders actor working as an extra on suspicion of indecent assault in front of shocked stars on the set of the BBC soap opera.
The famous cast of the popular soap series were filming scenes on May 7 when camera crews were abruptly stopped after a woman allegedly complained that a fellow extra had attempted to forcibly kiss her, it has been claimed.
Following a scuffle with security, the man, aged in his 50s, was eventually handed over to police officers at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, The Sunreported.
Filming taking place in the fictional Albert Square setting is then said to have resumed after a ‘lengthy break’, while the woman involved in the alleged incident was given specialist care and support from BBC staff.
Adam Woodyatt, the longest-serving cast member in the show’s history, was reportedly involved in filming on set during the alleged assault, alongside other famous stars of the program.
The man was held on suspicion of indecent assault of the female extra, alongside for common assault against another individual.
The unnamed actor is said to be remaining on bail while an investigation into the complaint takes place.
A source told The Sun that ‘everyone’ on set was left ‘quite shaken’ by the ‘extremely difficult situation’, adding: ‘No one could quite believe what was happening’.
Describing the woman as ‘very distressed’, the source told the publication that the man had ‘squared up to the security staff as they tried to calm things.’
The source also praised both the cast and crew for their responsible approach towards the alleged assault, alongside their ‘professionalism and understanding’.
Cameras were reportedly unable to capture footage of the alleged attack, with it also unknown whether any scenes filmed on that day have been aired to viewers.
In a statement issued to The Sun, Hertfordshire Police confirmed that they had ‘received a report of an incident that took place in Eldon Avenue, Borehamwood on Wednesday, May 7’.
They added: ‘The suspect, a man aged in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of common assault and sexual assault in relation to two victims.
‘He is on police bail whilst enquiries continue.’
It comes just days after the charges were dropped against an actor who was arrested while filming the hit TV show Rivals.
Nigel Adams, 45, was arrested by Avon and Somerset Police at Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire on June 4, while performing a polo scene with former EastEnders star Danny Dyer.
Mr Adams, who was also a supporting actor on BBC’s Casualty and Doctor Who, was accused of attacking his long-term partner Louise Payne at a house in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset.
After spending two nights in a police cell, the TV extra was later charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm against his girlfriend in an alleged incident on March 31 of this year.
Attending Bristol Crown Court on Monday for a plea and trial preparation hearing, Mr Adams pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Christine Hart, prosecuting, said she would be offering no evidence against Mr Adams, saying: ‘Subsequent to the case being charged, there is a statement by Ms Payne.
‘She is here at court today, she sits in the public gallery.
‘She has made it clear she didn’t wish to proceed with the case. I have spoken to her at length, as has the officer in charge.
‘Taking into account the evidence already in the case and that statement, the only option I have is to offer no evidence on the outstanding count.’
Judge William Hart told the court he would formally enter a not-guilty verdict in the case. The judge told Mr Adams: ‘A not-guilty verdict, you are free to leave, thank you.’
Speaking outside court, Mr Adams and Ms Payne said they were grateful the case had been dropped.
Hertfordshire Police, The BBC and The Metropolitan Police were all contacted for comment.
