BBC axes drama Ordeal By Innocence after rape claim








         Ed Westwick (pictured on Novemeber 2 in Essex during filming for White Gold) was due to appear in the 1958 murder mystery adaptation, but the show has been suspended. White Gold has also been halted "class =" blkBorder img-share "/> </div><br />  <p>    <noscript></p><br />  <p>    <img id= Ed Westwick (pictured on Novemeber 2 in Essex during filming for White Gold) was due to appear in the 1958 murder mystery adaptation, but the show has been suspended. White Gold has also been halted



The BBC has been forced to suspend its flagship Boxing Day Agatha Christie drama after one of its main stars was accused of rape.


Ed Westwick was due to appear in the 1958 murder mystery adaptation, but the show has been removed from the television schedules while the claims are investigated.


His filming on BBC Two comedy series White Gold - which was expected to be broadcast next year - has also been halted.


The 30-year-old, best known for his role in Gossip Girl, 'strenuously denies' allegations that he raped two actresses.


Kristina Cohen accused Mr Westwick of forcing him upon his home at home in Los Angeles Police.


Yesterday another woman, Aurélie Wynn, who has since quit acting, accused her of raping her at a house he was renting in LA in July 2014.






         Kristina Cohen (pictured in Ladies Like Us) accused Mr. Westwick of forcing him upon his home at 3 years ago in a claim being investigated by Los Angeles Police "class =" blkBorder img-share "/> </div><br />  <p>    <noscript></p><br />  <p>    <img id=


         Yesterday another woman, Aurélie Wynn, (pictured) who has since quit acting, accused him of raping her at a house he was renting in LA in July 2014 "class =" blkBorder img-share "/> </div><br />  <p>    <noscript></p><br />  <p>    <img id= Kristina Cohen (left, in Ladies Like Us) and Aurélie Wynn (right, in an Instagram photo) have both accused Mr. Westwick of rape






         Mr Westwick tweeted this publicity photograph for the show on November 2, before the allegations surfaced "class =" blkBorder img-share "/> </div><br />  <p>    <noscript></p><br />  <p>    <img id= Mr Westwick tweeted this publicity photograph for the show on November 2, before the allegations surfaced



A BBC spokesman said: 'These are serious allegations which Ed Westwick has strenuously denied.


'The BBC is not making any judgment but until these matters are resolved we will not include Ordeal by Innocence in the schedules.





         Ed Westwick and his actress girlfriend Jessica Serfaty "class =" blkBorder img-share "/> </div><br />  <p>    <noscript></p><br />  <p>    <img id= Ed Westwick and his actress girlfriend Jessica Serfaty



'The independent production company making White Gold has informed us that Ed Westwick has paused from filming while he deals with these allegations.'


Mr Westwick said: 'I have never forced myself in any manner on any woman. I certainly have never committed rape. '


Referring to the second allegation, he said last night: '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 I have had something to do with such vile and horrific conduct.


'I have absolutely not, and I am cooperating with the authorities so that they can clear my name as soon as possible.'


It is not the first time a broadcaster has altered a scheduled program after an allegation against one of the cast has come to light.


Netflix revealed last month that it was cancelling House Of Cards because of 'deeply troubling claims' against Kevin Spacey.


The online streaming company said the sixth series, which is in production now, would be the last.


Ordeal By Innocence was adapted by Sarah Phelps from Christie's classic novel of the same name.





         Mr Westwick said: 'I have never forced myself in any manner on any woman. I definitely have never committed rape '"class =" blkBorder img-share "/> </div><br />  <p>    <noscript></p><br />  <p>    <img id= Mr Westwick said: 'I have never forced myself in any manner on any woman. I definitely have never committed rape '






         Referring to the second allegation, he said last night: 'It is disheartening and sad to me that as a result of two unverified and provably untrue social media claims' "class =" blkBorder img-share "/> </div><br />  <p>    <noscript></p><br />  <p>    <img id= Referring to the second allegation, he said last night: 'It is disheartening and sad to me that as a result of two unverified and provably untrue social media claims'



The three -part drama was due to reunite the team behind last December's


Other stars on the cast included Love Actually's Bill Nighy, Matthew Goode of Downton Abbey and Poldark Star Eleanor Tomlinson.


Ordeal By Innocence is set at Christmas in 1954, and begins when wealthy philanthropist Rachel Argyll is murdered at her family estate, Sunny Point.


Her adopted son Jack Argyll, a young delinquent, is arrested for her murder. He vehemently protests his innocence.


Eighteen months later, Dr Arthur Calgary, a scientist, walks onto the velvety lawns of Sunny Point claiming to have just returned from an expedition to the Arctic.


Even more extraordinary is his claim to hold the alibi that can prove Jack's innocence.





         A BBC spokesman said: 'These are serious allegations which Ed Westwick has strenuously denied.' Pictured: A publicity photograph for Ordeal By Innocence "class =" blkBorder img-share "/> </div><br />  <p>    <noscript></p><br />  <p>    <img id= A BBC spokesman said: 'These are serious allegations which Ed Westwick has strenuously denied.' Pictured: A publicity photograph for Ordeal By Innocence



But Jack died in prison before the case could come to trial, and the Argyll family is reluctant to dig up the secrets of the past.


Rachel's widower Leo is about to remarry his secretary Gwenda and none of Rachel's other adopted children Mary, Mickey, Tina or Hester, nor longstanding housekeeper Kirsten, is willing to reopen the most horrendous chapter of their lives.


However, the shattering implications of Calgary's story are too big to avoid; if he is telling the truth then the wrong person was arrested for Rachel's murder.


And if Jack was not the killer, then it must have somebody else at Sunny Point.


Co-producers Mammoth Screen and Agatha Christie Limited said they 'supported' the BBC's decision.





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