Coronation Street's William Roache has been found not guilty by a jury at Preston Crown Court of two counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault. In a statement he told reporters: "I think we should all be much kinder to ourselves".
Christine Hamilton has said the time has come to review anonymity procedures to give defendants greater protection after the acquittal of actor Bill Roache.
Hamilton, who along with her husband has been subject to sex allegations, admitted that every single case was different but claimed the "pendulum has swung too far" in the direction of those making the allegations.
The 64-year-old, who has been friends with the Coronation Street actor for 30 years, said she was "thrilled and delighted" for Roache and never doubted his innocence.
The Crown Prosecution Service insisted William Roache's celebrity status did not affect their decision to put him on trial.
Coronation Street actor William Roache said there were "no winners" after he was cleared of a string of sexual offences today.
The Coronation Street actor famous for playing Ken Barlow has been cleared of a string of allegations of historic sexual offences.