Actor Michael Le Vell denies raping girl

The actor stood in the dock of Manchester crown court as the charges were read out to him before the start of his trial.

Mr Le Vell, 48, is facing 12 charges in all – five counts of rape, three of indecent assault, two counts of sexual activity with a child and two of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Before the trial began today the new indictment had to be put to Le Vell.

The charges span a period of nine years.

Le Vell, who lives in Hale, Cheshire, is one of TV’s most famous faces after playing Kevin Webster in Coronation Street for the past 30 years.

Originally from Manchester, he began his showbusiness career at the Oldham Theatre Workshop after taking an interest in amateur dramatics while at school.

He first joined Coronation Street in 1983 and quickly endeared himself to fans, who have followed the trials and tribulations of Kevin, from Brian Tilsley’s apprentice mechanic through to his stormy marriage to Sally, played by Sally Dynevor, and fathering two girls, Rosie and Sophie.

ITV has said he will not be appearing in any further episodes of the soap pending the outcome of legal proceedings. His trial is scheduled to last around two weeks.