William Roache in court today on rape charge

Coronation Street actor Bill Roache, who plays Ken Barlow in the soap, will make his first appearance in court today accused of raping a 15-year-old girl in 1967.

William Roache will appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court for a routine hearing where the case is expected to be sent to Preston Crown Court for trial at a later date.

Roache – the world’s longest-serving soap actor – will not appear in the programme until legal proceedings are concluded, ITV has said.

See also: Ken Barlow waxwork removed by Madame Tussauds.

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