Eastenders actor Ricky Norwood - who plays Arthur 'Fat Boy' Chubb on the long-running BBC soap -has been suspended after reportedly being videoed smoking cannabis. Show bosses made the decision on Monday (April 1) after meeting with the actor.

Ricky NorwoodRicky Norwood Has Been Suspended by Eastenders

An EastEnders spokesperson told Digital Spy: "Ricky Norwood has been suspended from the show for a period of two months with immediate effect.

"In addition, Ricky would like to apologise to EastEnders' viewers for any offence ."

Norwood was pictured in a weekend tabloid, apparently smoking cannabis and performing lewd sex acts during a Skype chat. The video was reportedly filmed and captured by a woman whom he had met online.

The actor has played Arthur since 2010 and won the Most Popular Newcomer prize at the National Television Awards in 2011. His recent storylines have included comforting Dot Branning following the death of her son Nick.

Meanwhile, the tabloids have been quoting the old 'indignant' TV insiders, with one seemingly particularly upset with the star's actions in the video, telling the Daily Mail: "This is incredibly reckless by Ricky given his position on a BBC family soap. He's seen as a role model."

Ricky is believed to have dated the Sugababes singer Jade Ewen, 26, though she is not the woman on the other end of the Skype call. 

The video is also said to have been touted for sale to an X-rated website.

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