UPDATED: Coronation Street actor Bill Roache charged over ‘historical rape claim’

Bill Roache, who plays Ken Barlow in ITV soap Coronation Street, has been charged with two counts of rape.

Cheshire Police have tonight charged the actor with two counts of rape following his arrest earlier this morning. The offences are alleged to have been committed in Haslingden between April and July 1967 and involve a girl aged 15 years.  Roache has been bailed to appear before Magistrates in Preston on 14th May.

“We take all allegations of sexual abuse extremely seriously and would encourage people with any information about sexual abuse, or anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse, to come forward and report their concerns confidentially in the knowledge they will be investigated appropriately and with sensitivity.” – Lancashire Police

Roache has been part of Coronation Street since the soap first hit our screens on 9th December 1960. He has received numerous awards for his portrayal of Ken Barlow and was awarded an MBE in 2001.

Ken remains a popular character in the show and has been at the centre of many storylines over the years. Married to Deirdre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride), the pair have grown over the years to be one of the powerhouse couples in soaps.

It is being reported that he will not appear in Coronation Street while the investigation is on-going.