EastEnders actor to stand trial for alleged harassment

EastEnders actor Linda Henry will stand trial for alleged racially aggravated harassment outside a restaurant.

The actor (51), who plays barmaid Shirley Carter in the BBC soap, was charged following the alleged incident near Jamie's Italian in Greenwich, southeast London, on September 14th, 2014.

The actor is accused of using threatening and abusive language likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. The alleged threats were said to have been racially motivated.

Ms Henry appeared at Bexley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The crown prosecution service said a “not guilty” plea had been entered by the defendant.

Ms Henry’s next court appearance is scheduled to take place at Bexley Magistrates’ Court on February 11th, 2015.

The actor, who has featured in EastEnders since 2006, is also known for her role as Yvonne Atkins in the ITV drama Bad Girls.

Ms Henry will continue filming with EastEnders until her trial date.

A BBC spokeswoman declined to comment.

PA