'EastEnders' star Linda Henry, who plays Shirley Carter in the BBC soap, is set to stand trial after she was accused of racially aggravated harassment outside a restaurant.
The 51-year-old actress has denied the charge and plans to fight the allegation 'tooth and nail', according to sources.
Linda plays Shirley Carter in the BBC soap
A source close to the actress told The Sun: “Linda is horrified at the accusation and intends to fight it tooth and nail.
“Those close to her know the truth and the type of person she is.
“She has never been in trouble before, has never been accused of this type of thing before and is determined to prove she is innocent of these deeply offensive claims.”
The incident is alleged to have taken place outside Jamie's Italian restaurant in Greenwich, South East London in September.
The actress, who has starred in the BBC soap since 2006, did not attend the initial hearing at South London’s Bexley magistrates court on Wednesday but pleaded not guilty via her lawyer.
The case is set for trial on February 11.
A spokesperson for the star: “Linda will be defending the allegation.”
Linda has had a big month on 'EastEnders' as her character Shirley Carter returned to Albert Square for the first time since Phil Mitchell's wedding after she was discovered hiding in the family caravan..
Her family is set to be rocked by a series of shock revelations in the coming weeks including the news that she is in fact Mick's (Danny Dyer) mum.