Ed Westwick cut from BBC drama as BBC reshoots scenes with replacement actor

Ed Westwick is to be replaced by another actor in the BBC's Agatha Christie adaptation, Ordeal by Innocence, after he was accused of sexual assault which he denies.

British actor Christian Cooke will take on the role, and Westwick's scenes will be reshot later this month.

The BBC previously pulled the drama from its Christmas schedules after two actresses accused Westwick of sexual assault, claims which the Gossip Girl star denies.

A statement from the co-producers, Mammoth Screen and Agatha Christie Limited, said: "British actor Christian Cooke has been cast in the role of Mickey Argyll in Ordeal By Innocence and will join other cast members including Bill Nighy, Anna Chancellor, Matthew Goode, Eleanor Tomlinson, Anthony Boyle, Luke Treadaway, Morven Christie, Crystal Clarke, Ella Purnell and Alice Eve on location in Scotland."

Cooke's credits include The Art Of More, The Promise and Cemetery Junction.

Announcing that it was pulling the drama from its Christmas schedules, the BBC previously said in a statement: "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.

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

Following the first claim of assault, in which an actress said Westwick had raped her, Westwick wrote on Twitter: "I do not know this woman.

"I have never forced myself in any manner, on any woman. I certainly have never committed rape."

Filming on Westwick's BBC2 comedy series White Gold was also halted.