EastEnders star Shane Richie makes another major life change amid divorce

EastEnders star Shane Richie has made a major life change amid his divorce from Christie Goddard, with the actor selling his family home after his 19-year marriage ended earlier this year.

As per The Daily Mail, Richie's family home in Surrey was put up for sale in March, and has now found a buyer. The sale is subject to contract, with the rumoured developments coming just days after his divorce was reported in the media.

It was reported on Saturday (15 August) that the actor had separated from Goddard this year, with their divorce being finalised last month. The pair, who met in 2001 and became engaged four years later, have three children together.

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Richie, who portrays Alfie Moon on the BBC soap, was arrested last month on a charge of drink-driving following an incident at a petrol station. The actor, whose real name is Shane Roche, is said to have been instructed not to smoke an e-cigarette due to a safety risk.

"Officers were called to reports of a suspected drink-driver in Church Langley Way, Harlow, shortly before 11.20pm on Wednesday 29 July," read the statement from Essex Police at the time of the report."

"On arrival, officers arrested a man. A charge of drink-driving has subsequently been authorised against Shane Roche, 62, of Surrey. He is due to appear at Colchester magistrates' court on Wednesday 9 September."

The actor debuted as Alfie in 2002 before making his first departure from the soap three years later. He returned in 2010, and had a six-year stint before exiting again. After intermittent appearances across 2018 and 2019, he's been a regular in Walford since 2022.

Related: EastEnders star issues warning to fans after dramatic soap exit

Elsewhere in Albert Square, there's been several high-profile departures, with Michelle Ryan and Kellie Bright set to leave the soap soon. The pair, who portray Zoe Slater and Linda Carter respectively, have confirmed their exits.

It was also reported over the weekend that Aaron Thiara would leave the series after four years in the role of Ravi Gulati, though this potential departure hasn't been officially confirmed by bosses.

EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.

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