DEN HAS HIS HARD-DRIVE TAKEN AWAY

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, May 16, 2004 | by EMMA COX TV Correspondent

SHAMED EastEnders star Leslie Grantham has been banned from using a computer in his dressing room after his sleazy webcam antics.

Bosses on the BBC soap have ordered the Dirty Den actor to leave his laptop at home and cut off the net connection to his room.

The star - caught exposing himself to women over the net - has been told he will not use a computer at the Elstree studios again.

The move comes just days after pounds 200,000-a-year Grantham, 57, was suspended for two months without pay and ordered to attend counselling sessions in an attempt to beat his "sex addiction".

In a meeting on Friday, bosses told Grantham he was lucky not to have been sacked over cyber sex sessions in his dressing room with a blonde called Amanda.

An insider said: "Quite a few of the actors have computers in their rooms so they can catch up on correspondence and answer letters and emails from fans and so on.

"There are often long breaks between scenes so it's something for them to do in their dressing rooms. But there are strict rules about what is suitable material to view on the computer, and Grantham broke those rules.

"That means he forfeits his right to have a computer in his room.

"And to be on the safe side, those in charge have decided to cut off the broadband connection as well. They're not taking any chances. This has been a huge scandal and they can't risk that happening again. It's very embarrassing for Grantham - but necessary."

Other actors on the BBC soap will not be affected by the action.

But many are said to be furious that Grantham escaped with just a two-month ban, which will cost him pounds 35,000 in lost earnings, and believe he has received preferential treatment from the moment he signed his contract.

They believe he should have been sacked after the incident in which he branded his co-stars "w***ers" and called Jessie Wallace, who plays Kat, a "vile dog".