DERBYSHIRE-born Coronation Street actor Bill Roache has been charged with two counts of rape of a 15-year-old girl in 1967, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
The 81-year-old actor, who has played Ken Barlow in the TV soap since its launch in 1960, was held at his home in Wilmslow, Cheshire, yesterday morning.
He was questioned over an allegation of raping the girl in Lancashire between April and July 1967 and will appear before Preston magistrates on May 14.
It is understood Mr Roache, who was born in Ilkeston and is the world's longest-serving soap actor, will not appear in the popular ITV show while the allegations are ongoing.
Chief Crown Prosecutor Nazir Afzal said the evidence against Mr Roache had been "carefully considered" and as a result, the Crown Prosecution Service would be charging him with two counts of rape.
"We have been reviewing evidence and providing early investigative advice to Lancashire Police since March 1," he said.
"Having completed our review, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest for Mr Roache to be charged.
"This decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and our guidance for prosecutors on sexual offences.
"Mr Roache has a right to a fair trial and it is therefore very important that nothing is said, or reported, which could prejudice that trial. For these reasons, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further."
An ITV spokeswoman confirmed that the actor's scenes that were due to be broadcast in tomorrow's edition of Coronation Street have been edited out.
Mr Roach, who attended the Michael House School, in Shipley, collected an award from Guinness World Records in 2010 for his lengthy service to Coronation Street, having joined in 1960.
