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's press officer for more than 20 years said she never believed Bill Roache was guilty after the actor was acquitted of a string of sexual offences today.
Leta Donn gave evidence at Roache's trial where he was accused of a series of sexual offences dating back to his early days on the ITV soap.
The 81-year-old was cleared of all charges today at Preston Crown Court.
"That is not the Bill I know. He would never harm any young girls. I once asked him outright, I said: 'You are my good friend. I will stick up for you whatever but you can be honest with me. Yes or no?'"
"He said: 'I promise you no'."
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.