BBC puts Westwick drama on hold

Ed Westwick (centre) in White Gold

UK public broadcaster BBC1 has pulled its upcoming Agatha Christie drama featuring Ed Westwick after the actor was accused of rape.

Ordeal by Innocence had been planned into the public broadcaster’s festive schedule and was due to air from December 26. But following the allegations against Westwick, the network decided to put the programme on hold.

Westwick is currently under investigation by police in Los Angeles and a statement made by the BBC said the show will not be aired “until these matters are resolved.” He has also “paused” his part in filming of the second season of BBC2 comedy series White Gold.

“These are serious allegations which Ed Westwick has strenuously denied,” said a representative for the BBC. “The BBC is not making any judgement but until these matters are resolved we will not include Ordeal by Innocence in the schedules.”

Westwick has denied the allegations against him, made by two women, one of which was a complaint of sexual assault.

Via Instagram, Westwick said: “It is disheartening and sad to me that as a result of two unverified and provably untrue social media claims there are some in this environment who could ever conclude I have had anything to do with such vile and horrific conduct. I absolutely have not, and I am cooperating with the authorities so that they can clear my name as soon as possible.”

Ordeal by Innocence is a Mammoth Screen and Agatha Christie Ltd production for BBC1, with Amazon and Endeavor Content already onboard. White Gold, meanwhile, is from UK-based Fudge Park Productions for BBC2 and is sold globally by BBC Worldwide.

The accusations against Westwick follow numerous sexual misconduct claims against film producer Harvey Weinstein that sparked a wave of similar accusations in Hollywood and beyond.