CORONATION STREET STAR Bill Roache has denied allegations that he raped a 15-year-old girl in the 1960s – insisting he will fight to defend himself against the claims.

81-year-old Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since the soap began in 1960, was yesterday charged with two counts of rape over the alleged 1967 incident.

The actor was arrested at his home in Cheshire yesterday and was charged by police before being allowed to return home.

“I am astounded and deeply horrified by the extraordinary events of the last 24 hours,” the actor said in a statement, quoted by Sky News.

I strenuously deny the allegations and will now focus my full attention on fighting to preserve my innocence in the challenging times ahead.

I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all those people who have offered me their support and good wishes at this difficult time.

ITV has said Roache will not feature in Coronation Street, the world’s longest-running soap, until the legal proceedings have been completed.

Because he is the only member of the original cast to remain on the show, Roache holds the world record as the long-serving soap actor in history.

He is due to appear in court on May 14.

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