BBC pulls Christmas drama Ordeal by Innocence amid Ed Westwick rape allegations

A forthcoming Agatha Christie Christmas special, Ordeal By Innocence, was intended to be one of the BBC’s main festive dramas, but they have pulled the show following allegations made against Ed Westwick.

The former Gossip Girl actor has been accused of rape by two different women, and while he “strenuously denies” the allegations, the BBC have decided to drop the programme from their schedules.

The BBC said in a statement: “These are serious allegations which Ed Westwick has strenuously denied.

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

The drama was due to star Bill Nighy, Alice Eve, Anna Chancellor and Eleanor Tomlinson, among others.

What’s more, Ed is no longer shooting the second series of BBC comedy show White Gold.

The BBC added: “The independent production company making White Gold has informed us that Ed Westwick has paused from filming while he deals with these allegations.”

Ed has vowed to clear his name after being accused of rape by a second woman.

Ed Westwick has stopped filming White Gold. Copyright [BBC]

The star has insisted Aurélie Wynn’s allegation that she was overpowered and sexually assaulted by him over three years ago is “provably untrue”.

Ed said he would never do anything so “vile and horrific” and revealed he is working with the authorities to clear his name “as soon as possible”.

In a statement posted on Twitter, he wrote: “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 have absolutely not, and am cooperating with the authorities so that they can clear my name as soon as possible.”

Aurélie claimed via Facebook that Ed, 30, raped her at his rented home in 2014, and said Kristina Cohen’s public allegation earlier this week had given her strength to come forward with her own story.

The former actress then went on to claim that her boyfriend at the time, ex-Glee actor Mark Salling – who last month pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography – blamed her for the alleged offence and broke up with her because of her claims.

She rounded off her post by thanking Kristina for coming forward to accuse Ed as she said she wouldn’t have spoken out if it wasn’t for her.

Aurélie wrote: “I am so incredibly thankful all of this is finally coming to light and that there is justice in the world. I believe you Kristina Cohen and thank you for speaking up so eloquently and really encompassing what young female actresses have to go through at the hands of men like Ed Westwick. Without you I would not have had the strength to speak up publicly about my ordeal. #metoo (sic)”

Ed has also denied Kristina’s allegation.

In a statement posted on his Twitter account, he said: “I do not know this woman. I have never forced myself in any manner, on any woman. I certainly have never committed rape.”

Read more from Yahoo Celebrity:

OJ Simpson banned from casino after being ‘booted out’

John Lewis Christmas ad leaves some confused and Charlotte Hawkins in tears

June Brown to have urine splashed on face for new TV show

Follow Yahoo Celeb UK on Twitter and Instagram for all of the latest celebrity news!