Bill Roache will 'vigorously protest his innocence'

Coronation Street actor Bill Roache is looking forward to standing before a jury to "vigorously protest his innocence" of the "deeply upsetting" allegations made against him, his lawyer said today.

Roache pleaded not guilty to five charges of indecent assault against four girls, aged between 11 or 12 and 16 years old, in the 1960s.

Three of the alleged offences took place in 1965 and two in 1968.

ITV News correspondent Debi Edward reports:

Roache, who appeared at Preston Magistrates' Court, has been bailed to appear at Preston Crown Court on Monday, when he is due to face an earlier charge of raping a 15-year-old girl in 1967.

He previously issued a statement saying he "strenuously" denied the allegations.

Speaking as they arrived at court, the actor's lawyer Brian Russell said, "During two lengthy police interviews Mr Roache has fully co-operated with all the questions that the police have had for him in relation to these matters".

Roache - the UK's longest-serving soap actor - has played Ken Barlow since Coronation Street's launch, but will not be appearing in the programme until legal proceedings are concluded.