'EastEnders' Gus suspended over assault caution

EastEnders executive producer Diederick Santer today suspended actor Mohammed George after he was cautioned by the police yesterday.

In December, the 24-year-old actor – who plays market sweeper Gus Smith – was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm after allegedly hitting lover Emma Archibald and leaving her lying on the pavement outside a Camden restaurant where they had been eating.

Yesterday, he was cautioned for common assault following an admission of the offence and an apology to Emma, daughter of former Tottenham and Barcelona footballer Steve Archibald.

An official BBC statement today read: "Diederick Santer has taken the decision to suspend Mohammed George with immediate effect for a period of two months.

"In addition Mohammed George would like to apologise to the BBC and its viewers for his actions that have brought EastEnders into disrepute."

It is unclear as to whether the actor is still in a relationship with Emma.

George is the second soap actor this week to be suspended. This latest action comes within only 24 hours of the suspension of Bruce Jones by Coronation Street bosses following a Sunday newspaper report.