Ed Westwick to be recast in TV drama after sexual assault allegations

Ed Westwick has been cut from the BBC mini-series Ordeal by Innocence and his part has been recast.

The broadcaster released a statement about the news on Friday, as they confirmed that Christian Cooke will be taking over the role. The decision was made following two allegations of rape and an allegation of sexual assault against the former Gossip Girl star. He has denied the allegations. Christian Cooke, whose previous credits include Romeo & Juliet and Love, Rosie, will be playing the role of Mickey Argyll. Producers Mammoth Screen and Agatha Christie Ltd confirmed re-shoots will take place later this month. The series also stars Bill Nighy, Anna Chancellor, Matthew Goode, Eleanor Tomlinson, Anthony Boyle, Luke Treadaway, Morven Christie, Crystal Clarke, Ella Purnell and Alice Eve. Ordeal of Innocence was originally scheduled to air during the holiday season. But the BBC removed the mini-series from its Christmas schedule following the accusations against the actor. Meanwhile, the filming of another series Westwick was working on, White Gold, was also paused. The 30-year-old actor was accused of rape by Kristina Cohen and Aurélie Wynn in November last year. Another woman, Rachel Eck, later came forward to say she was sexually assaulted by the actor. He has  strongly denied the allegations and since vowed to clear his name.