LONDON: Filming on the long-running British soap opera EastEnders was disrupted after an extra was arrested on set over an alleged indecent assault, according to reports.
The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, May 7, at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, when a woman claimed that a male extra in his 50s had forcibly attempted to kiss her.
The situation quickly escalated, prompting on-site security to intervene. A physical altercation followed, during which the man allegedly “squared up” to security staff before being restrained.
The show’s production was temporarily halted as police were called to the scene.
According to a statement by Hertfordshire Police: “We can confirm we did receive a report of an incident that took place in Eldon Avenue, Borehamwood on Wednesday, May 7. The suspect, a man aged in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of common assault and sexual assault in relation to two victims. He is on police bail whilst enquiries continue.”
Eyewitnesses described the event as deeply unsettling. A source cited by The Sun stated, “In all the years of filming EastEnders, nothing this dramatic has happened — with police turning up at the studios. Everyone was quite shaken up by it all. No one could quite believe what was happening. The main focus was the woman’s welfare as she was clearly very distressed.”
The same source added that filming was paused and the cast and crew were given an extended break while the matter was handled by security and production managers. The woman was reportedly cared for by on-site staff.
Several cast members were present at the time, including Adam Woodyatt, the show’s longest-serving actor, who has played Ian Beale since EastEnders first aired in 1985.
It is understood that no cameras captured the alleged assault, and it remains unclear whether the scenes filmed that day will be used.
In a statement shared on Saturday, a spokesperson for EastEnders said: “While we would never comment on individuals, EastEnders has on-site security and well-established procedures in place to safeguard the safety and welfare of everyone who works on the show.”
The man remains on police bail while investigations continue.
