ITV bosses took active steps to remove all mention of lead actor Noel Clarke from the continuity announcements of their new crime drama Viewpoint on Thursday, Daily Star can reveal.
Noel, 45, plays one of the main characters, DC Martin Young.
The one-off series has been airing all week in the primetime slot of 9pm on ITV – but an hour before episode four was broadcast it was rocked by claims of sexual misconduct against Clarke.
Clarke strongly denies the allegations against him which were reported by The Guardian.
ITV chiefs are now in talks about how to proceed with the promotion of the show which is due to continue on Friday at 9pm.
A source told Daily Star: “Viewpoint was billed as ITV’s big crime drama but it’s now in turmoil.
(Image: ITV/Ben Blackall/REX/Shutterstock)
“The news broke an hour before episode 4 was due to air and ITV made an active decision not to mention Noel in the voice over announcement on Thursday.
“Bosses are now in talks about how to proceed promoting the rest of the show which continues on Friday.”
A rep for ITV has been contacted by Daily Star for comment.
(Image: © Tiger Aspect Productions 2021)
Just 30 minutes before the Viewpoint aired on ITV, BAFTA released a statement announcing they had suspended Clarke.
They also suspended the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award he was awarded at this year’s ceremony.
In a statement, BAFTA said: “In light of the allegations of serious misconduct regarding Noel Clarke in The Guardian this evening, BAFTA has taken the decision to suspend his membership and the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award immediately and until further notice. ”
(Image: David Fisher/for BAFTA/REX/Shutterstock)
They added: “We take this matter extremely seriously.
“We encouraged the people who contacted us to report the matter to the appropriate authorities and also engaged an independent victim support expert to provide them with professional advice, and that support remains in place.
“We will continue to review this matter, and should any allegations be substantiated we will take appropriate action.”
(Image: Scott Garfitt/for BAFTA/REX/Shutterstock)
In a statement, Clarke told The Guardian: “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.
“I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing and intend to defend myself against these false allegations.”
Meanwhile, Noel’s agency 42 M&P have confirmed to Daily Star they have parted ways with the Doctor Who actor.
A spokesperson said: “Noel Clarke was a client of 42M&P until April this year but the company no longer represents him.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
