Noel Clarke facing new allegations of misconduct on set of Doctor Who

The actor, writer and director Noel Clarke has been accused of sexual misconduct on the set of BBC series Doctor Who.

Clarke has been embroiled in controversy since some 20 women made claims of bullying and sexual harassment against him in an investigation first published in The Guardian newspaper.

He later had his BAFTA membership suspended, Sky halted all work with him and the season finale of ITV's Viewpoint was not broadcast on TV.

The 45-year-old has previously said he "vehemently" denies allegations of sexual misconduct or criminal behaviour but will be seeking professional help and has apologised "deeply" for his actions.

The actor, who played vehicle technician Mickey Smith from 2005 to 2010 in Doctor Who, has now been accused by multiple women of sexual harassment on the set of the BBC show and at a promotional event.

One woman, who worked as a runner and a driver on the series, claimed to The Guardian that she complained about his behaviour to an assistant director of the show and was allegedly put on different duties as a result.

And now, a call has been made for "intimacy coordinators" to be compulsory for people working in entertainment.

Time's Up is a campaign group fighting for "a future where no-one is harassed, assaulted, or discriminated against at work" and has recently published safety guidance globally for people working in entertainment.

It includes advice on an actor's rights in auditions, when working on intimate scenes, and the rights they have to report sexual harassment and misconduct.

It is now also recommending intimacy coordinators become compulsory given the particular vulnerability for actors in these situations.

A statement from the groups said: "As an industry, we now need to consider whether it is time to increase the resources made available...which can act as a safe space for those who want to come forward and be heard.

"Time's Up will continue to work collaboratively with BAFTA, BFI, and other industry partners to ensure there is a cohesive response across the sector. "

A statement from the BBC to the PA news agency in response to the new allegations against Clarke said: "The BBC is against all forms of inappropriate behaviour and we're shocked to hear of these allegations.

"To be absolutely clear, we will investigate any specific allegations made by individuals to the BBC - and if anyone has been subjected to or witnessed inappropriate behaviour of any kind we would encourage them to raise it with us directly.

"We have a zero-tolerance approach and robust processes are in place - which are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect best practice - to ensure any complaints or concerns are handled with the utmost seriousness and care."

Representatives for Clarke have been contacted for comment.

Last month BAFTA presented Clarke with its outstanding British contribution to cinema award - but withdrew it after The Guardian's investigation.

London-born Clarke won early acclaim for his role in gritty British films Kidulthood and Adulthood, in which he starred and also has writing and directing credits. BAFTA awarded him its rising star gong following the movies' success.

He found more mainstream fame in Doctor Who and since 2018 has appeared in Sky police drama series Bulletproof.