Grim-faced Shane Richie pictured back behind wheel leaving EastEnders studio after being charged with drink-driving

EASTENDERS star Shane Richie looked glum as he was pictured back behind the wheel after being charged with drink-driving. The 62-year-old actor was seen driving away after filming the BBC soap on Friday. Shane Richie looked glum as he was pictured back behind the wheel after being charged with drink-driving Credit: ISO Soap star Richie faces court following an incident at a petrol station in Essex Credit: SWNS Richie, who plays Alfie Moon, faces court next month following an incident at a Tesco petrol station in Harlow, Essex. A source said: “It’s been a horrible time for Shane but life goes on and he’s back at work. Sign up for the Eastenders newsletter Thank you! “He did a seven-hour shift on set and didn’t look too happy on the way out — but who could blame him? “He is perfectly entitled to continue driving while awaiting his court appearance and has not been convicted of any offence. READ MORE ON SHANE RICHIE “But you’d think he might want to change the motor because it hasn’t exactly brought him much luck so far.” The charge follows a foul-mouthed confrontation after Richie drove on to the Tesco forecourt shortly after 11pm. His car appeared to have a flat tyre and the actor told staff: “Someone’s coming to change my tyre.” Workers challenged the star after spotting him vaping on the forecourt. Most read in TV ‘It’s been a horrible time for Shane but life goes on and he’s back at work’, says an insider Credit: ISO Shane during the foul-mouthed confrontation at a Tesco forecourt shortly after 11pm Credit: SWNS Richie told them: “It’s not smoking, it’s a vape,” before becoming involved in a heated exchange with staff. Footage obtained by The Sun showed him swearing after he was warned that vaping posed a safety risk at the petrol station. The manager called police to report a suspected drink-driver and officers arrived at the garage shortly afterwards. Richie, whose real name is Shane Roche, was arrested. But the troublesome tyre was clearly back in working order as he drove away from EastEnders filming on Friday. His on-screen wife Jessie Wallace, who plays Kat Slater, was also spotted visiting the set. The dad-of-five is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on September 9. The charge comes amid rumours s of simmering tensions behind the scenes at EastEnders over Richie’s treatment by bosses. The dad-of-five is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on September 9 Credit: ISO Richie plays Alfie Moon on EastEnders Credit: BBC Some cast members are said to be unhappy that Richie and Wallace are given time away from the soap for lucrative outside work while others have allegedly had similar requests refused. Richie has already been granted leave later this year for a panto run which is reportedly set to earn him a six-figure sum. One Walford insider claimed morale on the soap was already low and that the latest controversy had further frustrated some cast and crew. However, Richie is expected to remain on the BBC soap, where he has played Alfie Moon on and off since 2002. Comment now