Bill Roache appears in court on rape charge
Veteran Coronation Street actor Bill Roache, who plays Ken Barlow in the long-running soap, has made his first appearance in court accused of raping a 15-year-old girl.
Appearing at Preston Magistrates’ Court, the 81-year-old was led into the witness box and confirmed his full name, address and date of birth.
He was arrested at his home in Wilmslow, Cheshire, on May 1 and was later charged with two counts of rape against his alleged victim in 1967.
Roache was bailed to appear for a preliminary hearing at Preston Crown Court on June 10.