An EastEnders co-star of Jessie Wallace has offered an explanation into the incident that saw the actress handcuffed and bundled into a police van last month.
Kat Slater star Jessie, 50, was lucky not to be sacked by BBC bosses after she drunkenly attacked a police officer during a night out in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, on 19 June.
Speaking sympathetically of the actress, Scott Maslen, who plays Jack Branning in the long-running soap put the incident down to 'tiredness' claiming she had since 'learned' her lesson.
"It's hard in this job. You get caught out sometimes, it's life," Scott, 51, explained to The Sun on Sunday.
"I love Jessie. There's nothing wrong with her, she is perfectly fine. She's a character, she works very hard, it's long days, so when she goes out occasionally, maybe she's tired.
"We're under the spotlight, that's the reality, so when you do make a mistake, you have to be careful."
Scott, who first appeared in Walford in 2007, went on to reveal Jessie is now 'in a good place' and has 'learned' from the sorry episode.
Discussing the incident a spokesman for the broadcaster said: "Senior bosses have spoken to Jessie Wallace about the incident and issued a clear warning that this kind of behaviour is unacceptable. Jessie has expressed her deep regret."
It's not the first time Jessie has been involved in a brush with the law.
In 2003 - three years into her Eastenders career - she was pulled over in her Mercedes in Chelmsford, Essex and found to be one and a half times over the drink drive limit.
The star's new boyfriend is said to be a calming influence, however.
Justin Gallwey has been pictured out and about with Jessie and has admitted that he and the actress are "very close".
The 50-year old, who was with Jessie at the time of the incident insisted: "Our relationship is fine. We are very close.
"I have made my apologies and so has Jessie."
Justin has previously spoken about his problems with addiction and in 2020 celebrated four years of sobriety. He and Jessie have taken a European holiday and enjoyed a string of dates.
A friend told The Sun on Sunday: "Justin has been a loving and calming influence to Jessie and helped guide her away from booze and partying.
"Last weekend’s incident was a one-off and they are working to get back on the straight and narrow.
"They are committed and in a loving relationship — he wants the best for her. They've known each other since they were teenagers."
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