Shane Richie snubs NTAs ahead of court date for drunk driving as onscreen wife Jessie Wallace makes surprise appearance

SHANE Richie has snubbed the National Television Awards ahead of his court appearance for drunk driving. The actor, 62, is scheduled to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday on a charge of drunk driving. Shane Richie has snubbed the National Television Awards ahead of his court appearance for drunk driving Credit: PA Jessie Wallace arriving at the 2026 National Television Awards Credit: PA Richie plays lovable Alfie Moon in EastEnders – and the BBC soap is up for multiple gongs at tonight’s National Television Awards. Jessie Wallace – who plays Richie’s on-screen wife Kat Moon – is in attendance at the NTAs after bursting into tears at last year’s after party. Sign up for the Eastenders newsletter Thank you! Meanwhile, Richie’s charge follows a foul-mouthed confrontation after the actor drove on to a Tesco forecourt shortly after 11pm. His car appeared to have a flat tyre and Richie told staff: “Someone’s coming to change my tyre.” Read more on Shane Richie Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace play Alfie and Kat Moon in EastEnders Credit: BBC Shane has played lovable Alfie on and off since joining EastEnders in 2002 Credit: BBC Workers challenged the star after spotting him vaping on the forecourt. 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. Most read in TV Richie, whose real name is Shane Roche, was arrested. The actor has already been granted leave later this year for a panto run which is reportedly set to earn him a six-figure sum. Comment now