The cast and crew of EastEnders were left stunned after an extra was arrested on set over an alleged indecent assault.
Filming was underway at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire when a woman claimed that a fellow extra, a man in his 50s, had forcibly tried to kiss her.
Security staff for the BBC One soap quickly intervened and restrained the man, leading to a tussle, The Sun on Sunday reports.
“In all the years of filming EastEnders nothing this dramatic has happened — with police turning up at the studios,” an insider said.
“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 source added that things became “very heated” when the man “squared up to” security staff.
Police were called and the man was arrested on suspicion of indecent assault of the woman and common assault against another individual. He has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.
Several cast members, including Adam Woodyatt — the show’s longest-serving actor who has played Ian Beale since EastEnders began in 1985 — were reportedly present and witnessed the incident unfold.
Filming was paused as producers gave the cast and crew an extended break. The woman was cared for by on-site staff before production resumed.
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police said: “We can confirm we did receive a report of an incident that took place in Eldon Avenue, Borehamwood on Wednesday May 7.
“The suspect, a man aged in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of common assault and sexual assault in relation to two victims. He is on police bail whilst enquiries continue.”
Crew members are said to have thanked EastEnders bosses for their “professionalism and understanding” in handling the situation.
A spokesperson for the show added: “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.”
