Alfie fights to save family

Eastenders actor Shane Richie has launched a campaign to bring back his on screen family.

10:00 23 April 2005

Eastenders actor Shane Richie has launched a campaign to bring back his on screen family.

Richie, who plays loveable rogue Alfie Moon in the Albert's Square drama, wants Jake Maskall, who plays Danny, and Joel Beckett, who plays Jake, to be reintroduced to the storyline.

Both were axed by producers last month, causing Richie to launch a spirited protest.

"He started up a petition straight away," Maskall told Star magazine.

Producers had hoped to cash in on the popularity of Alfie but falling viewer figures have forced a radical overhaul of plotlines.

But after Danny and Jake were sacked after it was decided there were too many gangsters in the soap, fans of the show have begun to call for their reinstatement.

However, Maskall doubts the phone will be ringing any time soon.

"I don't think the BBC will go back on their word," he added.