Westwick axed from Agatha Christie drama after abuse allegations

English actor Ed Westwick has been axed from the BBC's Agatha Christie drama after being accused of sexual assault.

Westwick was due to star in BBC adaptation of "Ordeal of Innocence" which was scheduled to air on Boxing Day 2017, before it was pulled. However, producers have made the decision to replace him with actor Christian Cooke, after Westwick was accused of raping two women and groping a third. Sections of the series wil be reshot with Cooke. 

Westwick, who is best known for his role in US drama "Gossip Girl", has denied all allegations.

A statement said from the show's producers said: "The co-producers of 'Ordeal By Innocence', Mammoth Screen and Agatha Christie Limited, today announced that they are to reshoot sections of the BBC1 drama later this month. British actor Christian Cooke has been cast in the role of Mickey Argyll."

In November, US actresses Kristina Cohen and Aurelie Wynn said they were raped by Westwick in 2014 in two separate incidents. Cohen said she was encouraged to speak out following the outpouring of stories in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal. 

US police have launched an investigation into Cohen's claims after she filed an official report on 7th November 2017. 

Westwick has denied the allegations. Writing on Twitter on 7th November, Westwick said: "I do not know this woman. I have never forced myself in any manner, on any woman. I certainly have never committed rape."

Two days later, he wrote: "It is disheartening and sad to me that as a result of two unverified and probably untrue social media claims, there are some in this environment who could ever conclude I have had anything to do with such vile and horrific conduct. I have absolutely not, and I am cooperating with the authorities so that they can clear my name as soon as possible."

"Ordeal By Innocence" had been intended to air on BBC One over the Christmas period but was pulled amid the allegations.