TV
'Cirque De Celebrite' trainer on rape charge
Published Thursday, Nov 16 2006, 19:32 GMT | By Dave West
A trainer on reality television hit Cirque De Celebrite has been charged with the rape of a 13-year-old girl.
Mohamed Alshelbt - who was employed to help stars prepare their turns on the show - allegedly attacked the child in his caravan.
According to The Sun, the girl is thought to have gone to watch last Sunday's show live. The Moroccan performer's caravan was raided by police early on Monday morning, when he was arrested and the caravan seized.
An insider at the show said the arrest had caused some shock among the crew. “Mohamed is an assistant trainer on the show," said a source. “He lives on site, as do all the circus performers.
“He was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning and his caravan was later seized as well.
“All the celebs and judges know about it and nobody is even thinking of leaving the show. But we are all incredibly shocked and concerned.”
Alshelbt, who specialises in tumbling, juggling and aerial performances, appeared at Woolwich Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday accused of rape. He was remanded until November 22, without bail, after a 15-minute hearing.
A Sky One spokesman said: “We are aware police are investigating an alleged incident at Cirque De Celebrite.”
Mohamed Alshelbt - who was employed to help stars prepare their turns on the show - allegedly attacked the child in his caravan.
According to The Sun, the girl is thought to have gone to watch last Sunday's show live. The Moroccan performer's caravan was raided by police early on Monday morning, when he was arrested and the caravan seized.
An insider at the show said the arrest had caused some shock among the crew. “Mohamed is an assistant trainer on the show," said a source. “He lives on site, as do all the circus performers.
“He was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning and his caravan was later seized as well.
“All the celebs and judges know about it and nobody is even thinking of leaving the show. But we are all incredibly shocked and concerned.”
Alshelbt, who specialises in tumbling, juggling and aerial performances, appeared at Woolwich Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday accused of rape. He was remanded until November 22, without bail, after a 15-minute hearing.
A Sky One spokesman said: “We are aware police are investigating an alleged incident at Cirque De Celebrite.”
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