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".
William Roache is the "biggest ambassador Coronation Street ever had", according to a former actor in the ITV soap.
The 81-year-old actor was cleared of two counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault by a jury at Preston Crown Court today after a four-week-trial.
Bruce Jones, who played Les Battersby from 1997 until 2007, said Roache was an "absolute gentleman of a man" who was loyal and a good friend.
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.