Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct allegations.
Coronation Street star Arabella Weir has recalled an experience she says was "frightening" with EastEnders' Leslie Grantham, who passed away in 2018.
The actress is set to join the cobbles for a guest role as Yvette, as her character bumps into old neighbours Ed and Aggie Bailey while out for a meal. Ahead of her Coronation Street debut, Weir spoke to The Sun about an encounter with Grantham while filming for police drama series 99-1.
Explaining how the incident occurred, Weir said: "He suddenly appeared in my trailer door. He didn't knock, he just walked in and said something about fancying me. It was pretty graphic and I thought: 'Oh f**k'.
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"I remember thinking he'd gone beyond what anyone could excuse as funny flirty banter and that I might be in trouble. It was frightening. I didn't feel I could joke my way out of it."
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Weir added that the encounter was interrupted by a crew member who came to her trailer, something which she now believes was a deliberate move on their part.
"I'm eternally grateful to that guy and looking back [I think] he did it on purpose," she said. "I think they had eyes on Grantham all the time to make sure that things were avoided."
Grantham was best known for his role as as Den Watts in EastEnders, playing the character from the soap's first episode in 1985 until 1989 when the character was seemingly killed off.
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However, he later returned in 2003 to reunite with his family, only for his character to be axed following allegations of misconduct with a webcam in his dressing room. Grantham exited the soap for good after his character was murdered by his second wife Chrissie Watts.
At the time, Grantham issued a statement apologising for his actions (via BBC): "I would like to unreservedly apologise to the cast and crew of EastEnders and the BBC for the embarrassment that has been caused by recent newspaper allegations.I would like to also say sorry and pay personal tribute to Kim Medcalf, Wendy Richards, Shane Richie and Jesse Wallace in particular, who have been caught up in the results of my deplorable actions.
"I very much regret that a moment's stupidity has cast a shadow over what I consider one of Britain's best shows of which I'm thoroughly proud to be a part. I am wholeheartedly ashamed of my behaviour and feel that I have let down my colleagues, as well as my friends and family. In some small recompense I intend to make a donation to charity as a mark of my apology."
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
Read more Coronation Street spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland's helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
