Corrie star’s trial date set
Coronation Street star Michael Le Vell’s trial for 19 child sex charges will begin Sept. 2, the Daily Mirror reports.
The Corrie stalwart, born Michael Turner, plays mechanic Kevin Webster on the long-running TV soap opera. He seemed oblivious to the seriousness of the charges, waving and joking with fans and flashing a broad smile after the short hearing in Manchester Crown Court.
The 48-year-old will return to the Street around Christmas if cleared of the charges, producers say. Fans of the star outside court seemed equally cavalier, the Mirror said.
One shouted: “Go on, Kevin lad.” Le Vell gave a thumbs-up and replied: “Cheers, pal.”
The charges include child rape and indecent assault.
A source told the Mirror: “Michael has been told that once the court case is over, if he has been cleared, then he will be back filming on the show as quickly as he wants.
“It’s given him something to focus on and has made him more positive. He has a spring in his step. Ideally, he wants to be back this side of Christmas.”
The popular soap opera — viewed by more than 700,000 Canadians — has been rocked by the recent scandal and its aftermath.
On a New Zealand radio program, Bill Roache — who plays dull Ken Barlow — hinted that many women who have sex with celebrities have only themselves to blame. He later apologized for his remarks.