Dirty Den faces axe

BBC bosses are ready to write Dirty Den out of EastEnders following sordid allegations surrounding actor Leslie Grantham.

The married star has been offered counselling by the corporation after he was accused of sending naked pictures of himself to a woman over the Internet from his dressing room.

He also criticised fellow cast members during the online chat to the woman, known only as Amanda.

Grantham, 57, this week issued a grovelling apology for 'the embarrassment' the scandal has caused.

But female executives at the corporation, including BBC1 controller Lorraine Heggessey, are understood to want him written out of the show when his contract is up for renewal this autumn.

It could cause havoc with EastEnders plot lines, which are drawn up months in advance.

Following Den Watts's return last year - with Grantham getting £200,000 - the character has been written into a number of storylines. Extricating him is likely to prove complicated and expensive. A meeting with senior drama executives is due to take place over the next fortnight to discuss Dirty Den's future.

EastEnders executive producer Louise Berridge is said privately to have been horrified by the allegations surrounding Grantham - but is in a difficult position, because she brought the actor back to the show.

One compromise being considered is not to renew Grantham's lucrative contract, but leave the door open for Dirty Den to return in future.

In line with other BBC stars who have hit the headlines for their indiscretions - such as radio veteran Johnnie Walker - Grantham has been offered counselling. Executives hope that, along with his apology

and a donation he made to charity, a line can be drawn under the scandal until the actor's contract negotiations begin later this summer.

One insider said: 'They are doing everything they can to help him, because that's what the BBC does. But Lorraine Heggessey was shocked, as were many other female executives. The dust will be left to settle and then action will be taken.'

Grantham's fellow cast members at Elstree studios in Hertfordshire were said to be furious at his reported comments and working conditions will be tense for him.