Shane Richie will step away from his Alfie Moon character on the BBC soap opera EastEnders during the Christmas period to appear in a pantomime production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Cliffs Pavilion venue in Southend.
The departure precedes a criminal court case scheduled for November 2027 at Colchester Magistrates’ Court, where the actor faces allegations of drink driving.
Richie will temporarily vacate the Albert Square role as other cast members have already permanently left the long-running serial.
This week saw the on-screen death of Zoe Slater, portrayed by Michelle Ryan.
According to reports, Kellie Bright and Charlie Suff are among those exiting the programme shortly.
Aaron Thiara, who embodies the character Ravi Gulati, is also departing.
Jessie Wallace, who plays Kat Moon—Alfie’s partner—will similarly leave Albert Square, though her exit may be temporary due to pantomime commitments.
Lacey Turner, who has portrayed Stacey Slater since 2004, will additionally be absent from the soap.
She has been confirmed as a competitor in the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing series.
In reported comments, Lacey Turner expressed sadness regarding her colleagues’ departures and said she hoped they would return, describing them as established members of the production.
and has presented various television game shows.
His theatrical background includes a 2006 performance of Scrooge at the New Theatre in Oxford.
More recently, he toured with the Prat Pack entertainment group in 2025, alongside Bradley Walsh, Brian Conley, and Joe Pasquale.
The ensemble pays tribute to the classic Rat Pack.
The group’s national itinerary featured a single performance at the New Theatre Oxford on George Street on 22 May, combining big-band music, comedy routines, and anecdotes from their entertainment careers.