BAFTA has suspended Noel Clarke’s membership and his recent award for outstanding contribution to British cinema after allegations against him.

The decision comes after The Guardian published numerous claims of sexual harassment and bullying against the actor, writer and director that he says he “vehemently denies”.

In a statement, BAFTA said: “In light of the allegations of serious misconduct regarding Noel Clarke in The Guardian, BAFTA has taken the decision to suspend his membership and the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award immediately and until further notice.”

Clarke, 45, said in his own statement: “In a 20-year career, I have put inclusivity and diversity at the forefront of my work and never had a complaint made against me.

“If anyone who has worked with me has ever felt uncomfortable or disrespected, I sincerely apologise.

“I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing and intend to defend myself against these false allegations.”

Noel Clarke’s showbiz success story – from Doctor Who breakthrough to two BAFTA wins

Clarke won early acclaim for his role in gritty British films Kidulthood and Adulthood, in which he starred and also has writing and directing credits.

He found more mainstream fame as Mickey Smith in Doctor Who from 2005 to 2010, and since 2018 has appeared in Sky cop series Bulletproof.

As well as his recent BAFTA award, the London-born star was awarded the academy’s rising star gong in 2009 after the success of his two breakout films.

Management and production company 42M&P told Sky News they stopped representing Clarke earlier this month.