Actress praises bravery of women speaking out about sex claims
WELSH actress Alexandra Roach has praised the bravery of women speaking out about alleged sexual harassment in light of claims against her costar Noel Clarke.
Viewpoint star Clarke has seen his membership of 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.
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.
On Friday, Clarke, 45, 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 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. The police say no investigation is currently taking place.
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. ITV pulled the final episode of Viewpoint on Friday, although it is available on ITV Hub for a limited time.