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".
Coronation Street actress Beverly Callard, who plays Liz McDonald in the ITV soap, has said "there's a pint waiting for you in The Rovers" for William Roache's character Ken Barlow after the 81-year-old was cleared of all charges.
A jury found Roache not guilty of two counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault at Preston Crown Court earlier today.
Actor Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully, added: "The truth will always out."
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.