BBC deny Richie rift

The BBC today categorically denied any rift with EastEnders actor Shane Richie, who plays Alfie Moon.

It follows an allegation in a Sunday newspaper that there is an ongoing issue between Richie and BBC chiefs.

An EastEnders spokesman told DS today: "Shane Richie will be leaving EastEnders at the end of the year, but the door will be left open for his return."

Richie's contract with the BBC soap expires at the end of the year and one of the first projects he is expected to work on is the BBC drama, Scrooge, which should hit our screens in early 2006.