Shane Richie divorces wife of 19 years amid drink-driving arrest

EastEnders actor Shane Richie has finalized a divorce from his wife of 19 years, Christie Goddard. The divorce was reportedly completed on July 23, following a period of personal difficulty for the couple.

Shortly after the dissolution of the marriage, the 62-year-old actor was arrested by Essex Police on July 29 following an incident at a petrol station in Harlow. Richie faces a charge of drink-driving and is scheduled to appear at Colchester magistrates’ court on September 9.

Richie and Goddard married in 2007 and have three children together. Reports suggest the separation was the result of a long-term buildup of issues rather than a single event.