EASTENDERS star Shane Richie will stand trial after pleading not guilty to an allegation of drink-driving in Essex.
The 62-year-old actor, known for playing Alfie Moon in the BBC soap, appeared by video-link at Colchester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday under his real name, Shane Roche.
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Richie is accused of driving a white Hyundai in Church Langley Way, Harlow, while over the legal alcohol limit on 29 July.
The court heard he allegedly provided a breath sample showing 65 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.
The legal limit for drivers in England and Wales is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.
Prosecutor Vladimir Silea told the court that police attended a Tesco petrol station in Church Langley Way at around 11.15pm on 29 July, where Richie was arrested.
He was then taken to Harlow police station, where officers began the drink and drug driving procedure.
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The court heard the lower of the two breathalyser readings was 65 micrograms of alcohol.
Richie appeared before Deputy District Judge Christopher Maynard via video-link and confirmed his name, date of birth and address before entering a plea of not guilty.
Richie was bailed and is due to return to Colchester Magistrates' Court on 17 November 2027 for his trial.
Richie has played Alfie Moon in EastEnders on and off since 2002 and is one of the soap's best-known characters.
Away from Albert Square, he has hosted a number of television game shows and appeared in pantomimes.
He also took part in I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2020, finishing in fourth place.
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