Star praises women for coming forward
WELSH actor Alexandra Roach has praised the bravery of women speaking out about alleged sexual harassment in light of claims against her co-star Noel Clarke.
Viewpoint star Clarke has seen his membership to Bafta suspended following allegations made against him.
On Thursday, The Guardian published a report on Clarke after 20 women who knew him in a professional capacity came forward with claims of misconduct – including sexual harassment, bullying and verbal abuse.
In a statement, 45-yearold Clarke said he would be seeking professional help and has apologised “deeply” for his actions, but has “vehemently” denied sexual misconduct or criminal behaviour.
His Viewpoint co-star Roach, originally from Ammanford, has now spoken out about the matter in a social media post.
She wrote on Twitter: “I see you. I hear you. I believe you. Thank you to the women for your incredible bravery in coming forward and helping to put a stop to this kind of behaviour in our industry.
“If I could stop working with sexual predators... that would be great.
“Sending a big hug to all cast and crew who worked so very hard on Viewpoint.”
Roach and Clarke had starred together in the series, in which he plays DC Martin Young, a surveillance detective who sets up an operation in the home of single mother Zoe, played by Alexandra, who has a view into the flat of a teacher over the road, who has gone missing.
On Friday, Clarke issued a statement which read: “I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or criminal wrongdoing.
“Recent reports, however, have made it clear to me that some of my actions have affected people in ways I did not intend or realise.
“To those individuals, I am deeply sorry. I will be seeking professional help to educate myself and change for the better.”
In a new development on Saturday, the Metropolitan Police said it was assessing a third party report relating to claims of sexual offences committed by a male, after the allegations were made.
In a statement, the police said no investigation is currently taking place.
A Metropolitan Police statement said: “On Wednesday, April 21, police received a third party report relating to allegations of sexual offences allegedly committed by a male over a period of time.
“Officers are currently assessing the information. There is no investigation at this time.”
Bafta, as well as suspending his membership, has also suspended his award for outstanding British contribution to cinema – an honour he received just weeks ago.
Clarke made his first TV appearance more than 20 years ago in the Channel 4 series Metrosexuality, and gained fame for his roles as Mickey Smith in Doctor Who and Wyman Norris in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.
He later wrote and starred in the film trilogy Kidulthood, Adulthood and Brotherhood, and directed two of them.
Meanwhile, ITV pulled the final episode of Viewpoint from its main channel after the allegations against Clarke emerged.
An ITV spokesperson said on Friday: “ITV has a zero tolerance policy to bullying, harassment and victimisation and robust procedures in place to investigate and deal with any complaints. We strongly believe that everyone deserves to work in a supportive and safe environment.
“In light of the very serious nature of the allegations against Noel Clarke raised by 20 women in the Guardian’s report, ITV has decided it is no longer appropriate to broadcast the final episode of the drama Viewpoint on ITV main channel this evening.
“We are mindful that some of our viewers have already invested four hours of their time over the past four nights in following this thriller which was due to conclude this evening, and they have yet to see the final episode. As such we plan to make it available on ITV Hub tonight for a limited time for any viewers who wish to seek it out, and watch its conclusion.”
A source at the network added that: “Neither producers Tiger Aspect or ITV have received any complaints about Noel Clarke’s behaviour during the making of this drama.”
Broadcaster Sky, which has aired three series of Clarke’s series Bulletproof, has said it is halting work with Clarke following the accusations.
Following the allegations he has also been suspended from Unstoppable Film and Television, a production company he cofounded in 2007, according to a statement from a spokesman for parent company All3media.