EastEnders actor Shane Richie, whose real name is Shane Roche, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of drink-driving. The 62-year-old, famous for playing the character Alfie Moon in the BBC soap opera since 2002, was arrested at a Tesco petrol station in Church Langley Way, Harlow, Essex, on 29 July. Richie appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court via video link from a hotel room. The court heard that he was arrested shortly before 23:20 on 29 July and taken to a police station in Harlow. He is charged with having 65 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, which is above the legal limit of 35 microgrammes. Richie's solicitor, Raj Chada, said his client is not commenting on the case as criminal proceedings are ongoing and asked for his privacy to be respected. The prosecuting solicitor, Vladimir Silea, noted that police arrived at the petrol station at 11:15pm on 29 July and began the drink and drug driving procedure at the police station. During the hearing, Richie confirmed his name, address, and plea of not guilty. He briefly dropped off the video link and later apologised to the judge, stating he was in a hotel up north. Deputy District Judge Christopher Maynard granted Richie unconditional bail and set his next court appearance for 17 November 2027, when he is due to stand trial at the same court. Richie concluded the hearing by saying, "Take care, bye bye," before disconnecting.