EastEnders actress to stand trial for harassment

Linda Henry has starred in the BBC soap since 2006 and has also starred in ITV drama Bad Girls

EastEnders actress Linda Henry, who plays Shirley Carter in the soap, is to stand trial accused of racially aggravated harassment.

Henry was charged following a row outside Jamie's Italian restaurant in Greenwich, in London on 14 September.

The 51-year-old has been ordered to appear at Bexley Magistrates' Court and will stand trial on 11 February.

A spokesperson for the actress said: "Linda will be defending the allegation."

A Crown Prosecution Service spokeswoman said a not guilty plea had been entered in relation to the case.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said the actress had been charged with a racially aggravated public order offence following an incident in Nelson Road, Greenwich.

The actress, who has been charged under her married name of Valiris, is accused of using threatening or abusive words likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

The BBC has not commented but it is understood Henry will continue filming EastEnders until her trial date.

Henry has played Shirley Carter in the BBC series since 2006, and is also known for her role as Yvonne Atkins in prison drama Bad Girls.