TELLY STAR CRAIG ON SEX-PEST CHARGES

Recluse since allegations

FORMER Neighbours star Craig McLachlan has been charged with multiple sex offences.

They include eight counts of indecent assault, one of common assault and one of attempted indecent assault. The charges are believed to be connected to his role in an Australian stage production of The Rocky Horror Show in which he played Frank-NFurter. McLachlan last night denied the charges. A spokesman said: “Craig is innocent of these charges which will be vigorously defended.”

The 53-year-old became one of the most popular stars Down Under through his role as loveable Henry Ramsay, the brother of Kylie Minogue’s character Charlene. He later went on to appear in Home And Away and had music hits in the UK and Oz.

The twice-married star also starred on Dancing On Ice in

2011. But last year allegations of sexual assault surfaced about his time on the show in 2014.

Lead actress Christie Whelan Browne claimed he inappropriately touched her behind a bed sheet during the show.

Another claimed he kissed her on her neck backstage.

And a third alleged he exposed himself to her and on another occasion hugged her closely while wearing boxer shorts.

McLachlan is seeking £3.6million in damages from two Oz media organisations, Fairfax Media and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, over their reports of the allegations.

His legal team says he has become a recluse since the claims were made and his career is effectively over.