Actor Noel Clarke has been arrested by Metropolitan Police detectives on suspicion of attempted rape, exposure, and sexual assault by touching, . The arrest relates to an alleged incident that took place in London in 2007, involving a woman in her 20s.
A spokesperson for the Met confirmed that a man in his 50s was interviewed by detectives following the arrest. The investigation is being led by the Met’s central specialist crime command. This latest development comes after Clarke was previously arrested in in connection with a separate allegation of voyeurism, reportedly committed in 2013. He was bailed pending further inquiries following that arrest, and the current investigation continues.
Clarke rose to prominence playing Mickey Smith, the companion to David Tennant’s Doctor, in the long-running BBC science fiction series Doctor Who, appearing between 2005, and 2010. The role catapulted him to mainstream recognition, and he subsequently expanded his career into writing, directing, and producing.
He is the creator of the Kidulthood franchise – encompassing the films Kidulthood, Adulthood, and Brotherhood – which offered a gritty and often controversial portrayal of inner-city life in the UK. Clarke also starred in the Sky police procedural drama Bulletproof, co-created with Ashley Walters.
The arrest marks a renewed chapter in a period of significant legal and public scrutiny for Clarke. Last year, he lost a defamation claim against The Guardian following the publication of an investigation in 2021 that detailed multiple allegations of misconduct. The Guardian successfully defended its reporting, a case that drew considerable attention to the standards of evidence and reporting in allegations of sexual misconduct.
Prior to the current arrest, Clarke had initially responded to the 2021 allegations by apologizing for causing any discomfort but denying all allegations of misconduct. He stated his intention to defend himself against what he characterized as false claims. The arrest for voyeurism signaled an escalation of the legal challenges he faced.
Detectives searched Clarke’s property in Kensington last , a move that indicated the seriousness with which law enforcement was treating the allegations. The current arrest, focusing on a far older allegation dating back to 2007, suggests a broadening of the scope of the investigation.
The timing of this arrest, and the resurfacing of the 2007 allegation, raises questions about the challenges of investigating historical sexual offenses. The passage of time can complicate investigations, making it more difficult to gather evidence and secure reliable testimony. However, advancements in forensic techniques and a growing willingness of victims to come forward have led to an increase in the number of historical cases being investigated and prosecuted.
Clarke’s career trajectory, from a rising star in British television to a successful writer, director, and producer, has been dramatically altered by these allegations. The impact on his future professional prospects remains uncertain, as the legal process unfolds. The Metropolitan Police have not provided a timeline for the completion of their investigation.
The case also underscores the ongoing conversations surrounding accountability and due process in the entertainment industry, particularly in the wake of the #MeToo movement. The industry continues to grapple with how to balance the need to protect victims with the rights of the accused, and how to create a safer and more equitable working environment for all.
