Ashley Walters is in "shock" at the sexual misconduct allegations made against Noel Clarke.

Ashley Walters and Noel Clarke

Ashley Walters and Noel Clarke

The 'Bulletproof' star - who is a long term friend and colleague of Clarke - has broken his silence about the allegations made against Clarke, after 20 different women had accused Clarke of a range of inappropriate activities, including sexual harassment, unwanted touching or groping, sexually inappropriate behaviour and comments on set, professional misconduct, taking and sharing sexually explicit pictures and videos without consent, and bullying between 2004 and 2019.

In a statement posted online, Ashley wrote: "My thoughts are with the women who have come forward and told their awful stories. I am in shock and deeply saddened by what I have heard on a multitude of levels. I could never condone behaviour of this nature neither in nor out of the workplace, and whilst Noel has been a friend and colleague for several years, I cannot stand by and ignore these allegations. Sexual harassment, abuse and bullying have no place in our industry. Every woman has the right to a safe workplace and moving forward I pledge my dedication to this."

It comes after Sky TV "halted" its work with Clarke amid the allegations.

The broadcaster - which makes 'Bulletproof' in which they both star - said in a statement: "Effective immediately, we have halted Noel Clarke's involvement in any future Sky productions."

Clarke has "vehemently denied" any wrongdoing.

In his own statement, he said: "In a 20-year career, I have put inclusivity and diversity at the forefront of my work and never had a complaint made against me. If anyone who has worked with me has ever felt uncomfortable or disrespected, I sincerely apologise. I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing and intend to defend myself against these false allegations."

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