EastEnders star Shane Ritchie arrested for drink driving after expletive-ridden petrol station vaping row

EastEnders star Shane Ritchie is facing court on a drink-driving charge after he was arrested after an alleged foul-mouthed rant over vaping at a petrol station.Video obtained by the Sun showed Richie, who plays Alfie Moon on the BBC soap, apparently arguing with workers who challenged him about an e-cigarette after he arrived at the Tesco garage in Essex.Richie, whose real name is Shane Roche, drove his white Hyundai on to the empty forecourt in Harlow, Essex on Wednesday night.The 62-year-old Alfie Moon star is said to have got into an argument after being caught vaping on the station forecourt.Footage shows the BBC soap star being challenged by a worker while he was apparently using an e-cigarette. The incident is said to have happened just after 11pm.The manager called police, who arrived and arrested the actor for drink-driving. He is due in court next month.It is not illegal to vape on a garage forecourt but companies forbid it, amid fears the electronic devices can produce sparks that could ignite petrol.A drink-driving conviction can be punished with six months in jail, but most offenders are hit with fines and driving bans of at least 12 months.Essex Police said: “Officers were called to reports of a suspected drink-driver in Church Langley Way, Harlow, shortly before 11.20pm on Wednesday July 29.“On arrival, officers arrested a man. A charge of drink-driving has subsequently been authorised against Shane Roche, 62, of Surrey.Read MoreHe is due to appear at Colchester magistrates’ court on Wednesday September 9.”A spokesman for Richie was contacted.Richie has played his character on EastEnders, known for his fiery romance with wife Kat played by Jessie Wallace, on and off since 2002.The star, who came fourth on I’m a Celebrity in 2020, has also hosted shows including Lucky Number and The Shane Richie Experience, and is a regular on the pantomime circuit.He recently announced new dates for his “Prat Pack” tour with fellow TV stars Bradley Walsh, Joe Pasquale and Brian Conley.Three years ago, he revealed he had been through therapy for his temper after growing up with an abusive father — and said he barely touches alcohol.