EastEnders actor Shane Ritchie says that the cast of the soap have forgiven Leslie Grantham for the recent press allegations made about his private life.
Ritchie - aka Alfie Moon - called Grantham a "lovely bloke" despite being apparently called "big-headed" and "self-infatuated" by the Dirty Den actor.
"Contrary to belief, a lot of people did not have it in for him," Ritchie told GMTV today. "We closed ranks and maybe we should have said something. We're pals and we're mates again. No-one has been hurt by it and no-one died."
He added: "If you know Leslie like I know Leslie, then you know he comes with a reputation. He's a lovely bloke... he has said what really happened and we believe him.
"What the press didn't write about was that we all had a good laugh about it at work. Leslie came round and said 'sorry' and we had great fun, everyone now jokes with him about it."
Ritchie - aka Alfie Moon - called Grantham a "lovely bloke" despite being apparently called "big-headed" and "self-infatuated" by the Dirty Den actor.
"Contrary to belief, a lot of people did not have it in for him," Ritchie told GMTV today. "We closed ranks and maybe we should have said something. We're pals and we're mates again. No-one has been hurt by it and no-one died."
He added: "If you know Leslie like I know Leslie, then you know he comes with a reputation. He's a lovely bloke... he has said what really happened and we believe him.
"What the press didn't write about was that we all had a good laugh about it at work. Leslie came round and said 'sorry' and we had great fun, everyone now jokes with him about it."
More: Soaps
Soap Scoop
'Enders Jack stands up to Derek - PicsJack has an angry showdown with Derek on EastEnders later this month.
Soaps Interviews
Emmerdale star talks John Barton exitWe chat to James Thornton about his dramatic Emmerdale departure.
Soap Ratings
Helen Flanagan's Corrie exit draws 9.3mThe young actress brings in more than 9.2m for both episodes in the double bill.
Reality Bites
Does Simon Cowell have new SuBo?: VideoWatch a clip of Jonathan Antoine, who is tipped for success on BGT.
