Shane Richie charged with drink‑driving after Essex petrol‑station arrest

British actor Shane Richie, known for playing Alfie Moon on the BBC soap *EastEnders*, was arrested on 29 July in Harlow, Essex after police were called to a report of a suspected drink‑driver at a Tesco petrol station. Video obtained by the press shows Richie arguing with staff over vaping on the forecourt, refusing to stop and using profanity before officers arrived. Essex Police later authorised a drink‑driving charge against Richie, whose legal name is Shane Roche, 62, of Tadworth, Surrey. He is scheduled to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on 9 September to answer the charge.

The incident occurred on Church Langley Way shortly before 23:20. Police statements confirmed the arrest and the charge, while Richie’s representatives have not commented. The case follows a recent storyline on *EastEnders* involving drink‑driving, adding public interest to the actor’s real‑life legal issue.