EastEnders star Linda Henry to face trial over race-abuse claim

EastEndersEastEnders star Linda Henry is to stand trial over allegations that she was racially abusive to someone outside one of Jamie Oliver’s restaurants.

The actress – who has played Shirley Carter in the soap since 2006 – is alleged to have hurled the abuse during a row outside Jamie’s Italian in Greenwich, South East London on September, 14. She has been charged with racially aggravated harassment.

Reporting on the allegations, The Sun notes that Henry is insisting on her innocence and intends to fight them “tooth and nail”.

“Linda is horrified at the accusation and intends to fight it tooth and nail. She is determined to prove she is innocent of these deeply offensive claims.” – Unnamed source

A trial date has been set for February, 11, following a hearing at South London’s Bexley magistrates court yesterday at which Henry’s legal representation entered a not guilty plea on her behalf. The actress, whose case is being heard under her married name of Virilis, was not present at the hearing.

Tarl Caple, the manager of the restaurant, has insisted that none of his staff were involved while the BBC has declined to comment on the allegations.

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