Friday 30 April 2021

Noel Clarke: ITV drops drama Viewpoint finale after allegations

TODAY ITV has decided to pull the final episode of the drama Viewpoint after allegations of sexual harassment were made against its star, Noel Clarke.
The broadcaster said it was 'no longer appropriate to broadcast the final episode' on Friday as planned.
Sky has also "halted" its work with Clarke, including on the fourth series of crime drama Bulletproof.
The Kidulthood and Doctor Who star, 45, has said he "vehemently" denies "any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing".
In a statement on Thursday, he said he intended to "defend myself against these false allegations".
The Guardian newspaper reported allegations from 20 women, all of whom knew Clarke in a professional capacity, on Thursday.
On Friday, ITV said it had "a zero tolerance policy to bullying, harassment and victimisation".
"We strongly believe that everyone deserves to work in a supportive and safe environment," it added.
"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."
However, the finale will be available on its streaming service ITV Hub from Friday night for a limited time "for any viewers who wish to seek it out, and watch its conclusion".
Clarke played a surveillance detective in the show, which has been on ITV every evening this week. It was watched by 3.5 million people on Thursday.
He is also known for his role in Bulletproof, which Sky commissioned for a fourth series in January.
But following the allegations, Sky said: "Effective immediately, we have halted Noel Clarke's involvement in any future Sky productions."
The broadcaster said it had not received any reports of sexual misconduct or harassment during or since the show's production. "Sky stands against all forms of sexual harassment and bullying and takes any allegations of this nature extremely seriously," it added.
Bulletproof's production company Vertigo Films also said: "Effective immediately, Noel Clarke is removed from any Vertigo Films production."
A spokesperson for the company said it had "launched an urgent investigation to find out if any [alleged incidents] apply to any Vertigo Films productions", but that "no issues have been flagged to us".
Fellow Bulletproof actor Ashley Walters responded to the allegations against his co-star by saying he was "in shock and deeply saddened by what I have heard on a multitude of levels".
He said he "could never condone behaviour of this nature" and while "Noel has been a friend and a colleague for several years, I cannot stand by and ignore these allegations".
He added: "Sexual harassment, abuse and bullying have no place in our industry." In his statement on Thursday, Clarke added: "In a 20-year career, I have put inclusivity and diversity at the forefront of my work and never had a complaint made against me. "If anyone who has worked with me has ever felt uncomfortable or disrespected, I sincerely apologise."
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