Noel Clarke accused of sexual harassment on Doctor Who set

Emma Kelly

Published May 7, 2021 10:55am Updated May 7, 2021 11:27am

Noel Clarke has been accused of sexually harassing crew members on the set of Doctor Who.

The 45-year-old has strongly denied the allegations, which were published by The Guardian on Friday.

A spokesperson for the BBC told Metro.co.uk: ‘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.’

Clarke joined the cast of Doctor Who in 2005 when it returned to the BBC after 16 years, playing Mickey Smith, the boyfriend of Billie Piper’s Rose Tyler, and last appeared in the 2010 episode The End of Time.

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A costume assistant on series one of the revived Doctor Who, which was filmed in 2004, alleges that Clarke sexually harassed her in his trailer in August 2004.

She alleges that Clarke told her that he ‘liked girls with long hair, as it gave him something to hold on to when doing them from behind’, an incident Clarke’s lawyer strongly denied.

A runner and driver who drove Clarke to and from set alleges that the actor grabbed her leg while driving and made sexually explicit and inappropriate remarks to her.

The woman alleges that she complained to an assistant director about Clarke’s alleged behaviour.

Television Programme 'Doctor Who' final episode. Undated handout picture provided by the BBC of Billie Piper, who plays Rose Tyler, and Noel Clarke, who plays Mickey Smith, in the final episode of Doctor Who to be broadcast on Saturday July 8, 2006 on BBC1. Picture issued Wednesday July 5, 2006, by the PRESS ASSOCIATION. Photo credit should read: BBC/PA. — Noel played Mickey Smith on the show (Picture: PA)

Clarke denied this allegation, with his lawyers saying that had he behaved in such a way, he would have been reprimanded by the BBC.

Clarke also strongly denied an allegation that he sexually harassed another runner and a female co-worker at a hotel bar in Cardiff following a work event, and that he ‘spread false rumours’ on set about the women after they rejected his advances.

This comes after 20 women made allegations of harassment, sexual misconduct and bullying against Clarke, which he has denied.

The Kidulthood star said in a statement: ‘I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or criminal wrongdoing.

‘Recent reports however have made it clear to me that some of my actions have affected people in ways I did not intend or realise. To those individuals, I am deeply sorry. I will be seeking professional help to educate myself and change for the better.’

In the wake of the allegations, Sky suspended all projects with Clarke, while ITV cancelled the broadcast of the finale of Viewpoint, in which Clarke starred.

Bafta also suspended his membership and his outstanding contribution to British cinema award.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that they had received a third party report relating to claims of sexual offences committed by a male, and that no investigation is currently underway.