Coronation Street actor Michael Le Vell has pleaded not guilty to child sex charges at Manchester Crown Court.
The actor, 48, of Hale, Greater Manchester, spoke only to confirm his name and to plead not guilty to the 19 charges put to him individually by the court clerk during a brief appearance this afternoon.
Wearing a dark suit with a blue shirt and silver tie, Le Vell spoke in a strong voice when asked to enter his plea.
The charges include six counts of raping a child, six allegations of indecently assaulting a child and seven counts of sexual activity with a child.
The alleged offences relate to a single complainant and all took place between 2001 and 2010.
Le Vell, charged under his real name Michael Turner, was bailed ahead of his trial, which is expected to start on September 2.
He then thanked Judge Michael Henshell before leaving court.
Le Vell is one of the country’s most recognisable soap actors, having played car mechanic Kevin Webster in Coronation Street for the last 30 years.
Sketch courtesy of Julia Quenzler, with thanks.
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