Actor and director Noel Clarke has been suspended indefinitely by Bafta following allegations of sexual harassment, weeks after he won the outstanding contribution to British cinema award.

In a statement, Bafta said it made the decision “in light of the allegations of serious misconduct” reported in the Guardian.

The Kidulthood and Doctor Who actor, 45 has “vehemently” denied “any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing”.

In a statement he said he intended to “defend myself against these false allegations”, adding: “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.”

A Guardian news report alleged they’ve spoken to 20 women who made the allegations and all of them Clarke in a professional capacity.

One Gina Powell, who worked for Clarke for three years said Clarke would show off footage of her naked in an audition that she did not know had been taken. She also said he planned to “f–k and fire her.” Powell described a similar tape of Jahannah James, another actress in Brotherhood. 

Clarke wrote and starred in the acclaimed film trilogy Kidulthood, Adulthood and Brotherhood, and directed two of them.

The actor was first recognised by Bafta in 2009, when he won the rising star prize.