Ricky Norwood suspended from soap

Ricky Norwood has been suspended from the soap for two months after reportedly being videoed smoking cannabis.

Show bosses announced the decision today (April 1) after meeting with the actor following weekend tabloid reports.
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 caused and for bringing the show into disrepute."

Norwood hit the headlines on Sunday (March 30) as details emerged of a video which allegedly shows him smoking cannabis and performing a sex act during a Skype chat.

The video was reportedly filmed recently and captured by a woman who the 28-year-old had met online.
Norwood has been appearing on EastEnders as Arthur 'Fatboy' Chubb since 2010. He won the Most Popular Newcomer prize at the National Television Awards in 2011 for his portrayal of the character.

Fatboy's latest storyline has seen him comforting Albert Square favourite Dot Branning (June Brown) following the death of her wayward son Nick.

Ricky Norwood to meet with BBC over cannabis video

Ricky Norwood will meet with the BBC after reportedly being videoed smoking cannabis.

The 28-year-old actor, who plays Arthur 'Fatboy' Chubb in the soap, was also seen performing a sex act while naked on Skype, and will discuss the incident with
bosses next week.

A spokeswoman for the show said of Norwood: "We will be meeting with Ricky early next week to discuss this matter.

"We are unable to comment any further at this stage."

The video, more than eight minutes long, is thought to have been filmed recently and was captured on Skype by a woman that Norwood met online, reports The Sun.

Norwood recently revealed that he expects the soap to win more awards as the work of new executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins continues to come through.

He explained at the time: "I guarantee you this time next year, the favourite for the awards will be EastEnders. I think Dominic's doing a great job. He's got some great ideas and he's got a fresh new vision.

"I'm really excited actually about what is going to be coming up for Fats and for the show. There is going to be something for everybody. It's just the beginning."