Tina Malone, 54, ‘led away by police’ after panto gig amid claims she was taking cocaine
TINA MALONE was last night caught up in a drugs scandal amid claims she was taking cocaine during her pantomime performances, according to reports.
Tina Malone reportedly ran into trouble last night
The Daily Mirror has claimed that the Shameless actress was “led away by police” after taking to the stage in Sleeping Beauty.
Staff at the theatre in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, are believed to have tipped off officers after suspecting that the 54-year-old was taking the Class A drug during rehearsals and shows.
A source told the publication: “As she came off stage, she heard a rumour police had been tipped off she was using cocaine.
“She tried to get a taxi, but police stopped her in time and took her inside the venue to search her.
Tina Malone was reportedly led away by police after her panto gig
Tina Malone is playing a wicked fairy godmother in Cumbria
Tina Malone begged the police not to handcuff her, and seemed very worried
“She begged the police not to handcuff her, and seemed very worried.”
Tina has been playing the wicked fairy godmother Tina Malone in the festive offering at the Cloud 9 theatre.
The star is best known for playing Mimi Maguire in Channel 4 comedy Shameless, after previously appearing in Brookside and Dinnerladies.
Tina Malone: If I was a man you’d be slapping me on the back
Tina Malone with her husband Paul
Tina was starring alongside Big Brother contestant Ellie Young, after appearing in the same reality show back in 2009.
She has been married to Paul Chase - who is 19 years younger than her - since 2010 and they have four-year-old daughter, Flame.
Cumbria Police told Express.co.uk: "Police were called at 8:21pm, yesterday (22nd December), to the report of a female being in possession of an illegal substance.
"The incident occurred on Dalkeith Street, Barrow.
"A 54-year-old woman, from Merseyside, was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a class A drug.
"The woman was detained whilst she helped police with their enquiries. She was later cautioned for the offence."
Express.co.uk has contacted a representative for Tina Malone.