Grantham, BBC respond to press allegations

EastEnders actor Leslie Grantham has "unreservedly apologised" to the cast and crew of the soap over his recent actions.

There had been speculation about his future with the show since a newspaper report at the weekend which featured images of the actor participating in a sex act over the internet.

The report also alleged that Grantham, 57, slated several of his fellow cast members, including Jessie Wallace (Kat Moon) - whom he apparently called a "vile dog" - and Wendy Richard (Pauline Fowler), a "w***er".

In a statement issued this afternoon Grantham said: "I would like to unreservedly apologise to the cast and crew of EastEnders and the BBC for the embarrassment that has been caused by recent newspaper allegations. I would like to also say sorry and pay personal tribute to Kim Medcalf, Wendy Richard, Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace in particular, who have been caught up in the results of my deplorable actions.

"I very much regret that a moment's stupidity has cast a shadow over what I consider one of Britain's best shows of which I'm thoroughly proud to be a part. I am wholeheartedly ashamed of my behaviour and feel that I have let down my colleagues, as well as my friends and family.

"In some small recompense I intend to make a donation to charity as a mark of my apology. Now I'd like some time to show my family the love and support they have shown me over the last few days."

In the past the BBC has disciplined cast members for bringing the show into disrepute - Elaine Lordan (Lynne Slater) was sacked for drink driving - but this time decided to let it slide because of Grantham's "sincere" apology.

"Anything that exposes the programme to embarrassment and any abuse of BBC resources is taken very seriously by the BBC," the corp said in a statement. "However we do appreciate Leslie's sincere expression of regret and his decision to make a contribution to charity. We do not intend to make any further public statements about this matter."