Shane Richie supported by co-star after divorce from Christine Goddard
EastEnders actor Shane Richie is reportedly being supported by co-star Marianne "Mazz" Murray following the finalisation of his divorce from wife Christine Goddard after 19 years of marriage. The 62-year-old, who plays Alfie Moon in the BBC soap, saw his split confirmed on 23 July, just days before he was charged with drink-driving after a dispute with staff at a Tesco petrol station in Harlow, Essex, drawing further attention to a difficult period in his personal life.
Reports suggest Murray, 51, who has appeared alongside Richie in EastEnders and the musical Boogie Nights, has offered comfort as his marriage broke down, with a source describing an early-stage "spark" between the pair, though nothing has been confirmed publicly. Sources cited by The Sun say Goddard, 47, had grown frustrated with Richie's "spiralling behaviour" and made the decision to divorce after a build-up of issues rather than one specific incident. It was previously reported that Goddard had been removed as a director of their joint company, and that she remains focused on their three children while hoping his drink-driving arrest serves as a "wake-up call".
- Shane Richie's divorce from Christine Goddard was finalised on 23 July.
- Co-star Marianne "Mazz" Murray reportedly comforting him amid the split.
- Days later, Richie was charged with drink-driving in Essex.
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Shane Richie is best known for playing Alfie Moon in EastEnders, one of the BBC's longest-running soaps, a role he has returned to several times since the character first appeared in 2002. He was married to Christine Goddard for 19 years, and the couple had three children together before their divorce was finalised on 23 July 2026.
Marianne "Mazz" Murray is another EastEnders actor who has also worked with Richie on the stage musical Boogie Nights, giving the pair a long-standing professional connection outside the soap. Richie's divorce came shortly before he was charged with drink-driving following an incident at a petrol station in Harlow, Essex, adding to public scrutiny of his personal life over recent weeks.
The story matters largely because of Richie's high public profile as a long-running soap star, meaning developments in his private life attract significant tabloid interest. Much of what has been reported so far, including any romantic connection with Murray, is based on unnamed sources rather than confirmed statements from those involved.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Shane Richie ‘comforted by co-star Marianne ‘Mazz’ Murray after marriage split from Christine Goddard’ – as EastEnders star’s divorce is finalised”.