EastEnders actor arrested during filming over alleged indecent assault as Albert Square stars watched on
Police swooped to the filming set of Albert Square to arrest an actor in his 50s on following allegations of indecent assault.
EastEnders cast members, including Adam Woodyatt, reportedly witnessed the dramatic incident.
The arrest occurred during filming at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire after a female extra complained that the man had attempted to forcibly kiss her.
Security personnel intervened when the complaint was made, leading to a confrontation that escalated into a scuffle.
The suspect was subsequently detained and handed over to Hertfordshire Police.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: “In all the years of filming EastEnders nothing this dramatic has happened with police turning up at the studios.”
“Everyone was quite shaken up by it all. No one could quite believe what was happening.
“The main focus was the woman’s welfare as she was clearly very distressed.”
The incident unfolded on May 7 when filming was taking place near the Queen Vic pub on the Albert Square set.
According to witnesses, the man allegedly attempted to kiss the woman without her consent whilst both were working as extras.
When security staff attempted to escort the suspect away, he reportedly became confrontational.
A source said: “It got very heated when the man squared up to the security staff as they tried to calm things.”
The man was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault relating to the female extra and common assault against another individual, understood to be connected to the altercation during his removal from the set.
Production was halted for an extended period whilst staff attended to the distressed woman.
The source added: “Everyone was quite shaken up by it all. No one could quite believe what was happening.”
Hertfordshire Police confirmed: “The suspect, a man aged in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of common assault and sexual assault in relation to two victims.
They added: “He is on police bail whilst enquiries continue.”
The BBC responded with a statement: “While we would never comment on individuals, EastEnders has on-site security and well-established procedures in place to safeguard the safety and welfare of everyone who works on the show.”
The soap is filmed several weeks in advance, and it remains unclear whether the scenes from that day have been broadcast.
Other stars of the soap were also said to be present, filming just yards from the Queen Vic pub.