The BBC has dropped an Agatha Christie drama starring Ed Westwick from its Christmas schedule amid a police investigation into allegations of rape made against the actor.

A spokesperson for the BBC explained that Ordeal by Innocence, which was due to air on BBC One over the festive period, would not be scheduled “until these matters are resolved”.

Mr Westwick strenuously denies the allegations, made by two women.

The BBC said in a statement: “These are serious allegations which Ed Westwick has strenuously denied.

“The BBC is not making any judgement but until these matters are resolved we will not include Ordeal by Innocence in the schedules."

The statement also confirmed that the actor is no longer filming the BBC comedy White Gold in which he plays a double glazing salesman. Filming continues without him.

“The independent production company making White Gold has informed us that Ed Westwick has paused filming while he deals with these allegations.”

​Westwick has been accused of rape by two women, with the LAPD announcing they had launched an investigation into one of the allegations earlier this week.

The Gossip Girl star has denied all allegations of rape and sexual assault made against him, writing on his Twitter and Instagram accounts after the second claim was made: “It is disheartening and sad to me that as a result of two unverified and provably untrue social media claims, there are some in this environment who could ever conclude I have had anything to do with such vile and horrific conduct.

“I have absolutely not, and I am cooperating with the authorities so that they can clear my name as soon as possible.”