The BBC has given in to mounting pressure and pulled an Agatha Christie drama from the Christmas schedule after one of its stars was accused of rape and sexual assault.

Ordeal By Innocence was due to air on Boxing Day with Ed Westwick in one of the lead roles but the BBC announced on Friday that the transmission would be postponed while Westwick is under investigation.

Two women have accused the British actor of attacking them at his US home in 2014. He denies the claims.

In a statement, the BBC said: “These are serious allegations which Ed Westwick has strenuously denied. The BBC is not making any judgment but until these matters are resolved we will not include Ordeal by Innocence in the schedules,” the statement said.

In addition, Westwick is no longer filming the BBC Two comedy series, White Gold. He was spotted filming last week, but the BBC said: “The independent production company making White Gold has informed us that Ed Westwick has paused from filming while he deals with these allegations.” Filming will continue without him.