EastEnders actor Shane Richie is growing closer to co-star Jessie Wallace following his divorce from Christie Goddard and a drink-driving charge in Essex.
The 62-year-old soap star, who plays Alfie Moon on the BBC television drama, finalised his divorce from Goddard on July 23 after 19 years of marriage.
Six days after the marital split was completed, Richie was arrested following an 11pm confrontation with staff at a Tesco petrol station in Harlow, Essex.
As he navigates turmoil in his personal life, Wallace has provided support as a shoulder to cry on for her longtime colleague.
Support from an EastEnders co-star
Richie and Wallace have starred together as on-off screen lovers Kat Slater and Alfie Moon for the best part of 25 years on EastEnders, an iconic British television soap opera set in East London.
An insider revealed that Wallace voiced concern about his behaviour a while ago after noticing he was struggling, stepping up to assist him.
The source told The Sun that Richie has been Wallace's work husband for donkey's years and that she knows him inside out. The insider added that after noticing signs he was not in a good place, she has been there for him ever since, noting the two were always good friends but have grown a lot closer throughout his break-up.
Representatives for both Richie and Wallace were contacted by the Daily Mail for comment on their relationship.
Breakdown of a 19-year marriage
Richie's split from 47-year-old Goddard was reportedly prompted after she became fed up with his spiralling behaviour.
A source told The Sun that Goddard had reached the end of her tether and pursued the divorce after discussing the decision with relatives. The source said she had put up with a lot over the years and experienced a difficult period recently.
According to the insider, no single incident ended the marriage, but rather a build-up of issues driven by a feeling that Richie had been working hard and playing hard.
Questions surrounding the marriage previously arose when Goddard was terminated in June as a director of their joint company, Bluebelle Skye Productions. She no longer holds control over the business empire the couple had operated together since 2017.
Goddard has not removed Richie from their family home, valued at 2 million pounds, with her primary focus remaining on their three children. Sources claimed she was shocked by his drink-drive arrest and hopes the incident serves as a wake-up call.
Forecourt confrontation and court appearance
The arrest occurred on July 29 after forecourt employees challenged Richie for vaping at the Harlow petrol station. Under UK forecourt rules, petrol stations strictly prohibit vaping due to safety concerns regarding flammable fuel vapour, while smoking tobacco is a specific statutory criminal offence.
Mobile phone footage of the encounter showed staff telling the actor he could not smoke on the premises. Richie brandished his device and replied, "It's not smoking," before claiming, "This is not a vape," upon noticing he was being recorded.
When employees warned him that vaping posed a risk, Richie reached inside his vehicle with his back turned to the worker and responded, "I don't give a f***."
The station manager called the police, alleging that Richie was acting aggressively. Meanwhile, Richie told the person filming that someone was coming to change his tyre.
Police officers arrived at the forecourt shortly afterward and arrested Richie. He was subsequently charged with drink-driving and is scheduled to appear in court next month. Under UK law, individuals charged with drink-driving may legally continue driving until a court conviction.
Richie has since returned to the EastEnders set after receiving a dressing down from soap executives regarding the drink-driving charge.
