"Coronation Street" star, Michael Le Vell has vowed to "vigorously" fight the child sex charges he is facing.
Le Vell, whose real name is Michael Turner, is facing 19 charges relating to alleged offences between 2001 and 2010 and the accusations include "raping a child, indecently assaulting a child and sexual activity with a child".
The 47 year old has been removed from his role in hit U.K. soap opera Coronation Street as the case continues, and Le Vell has now addressed the allegations.
In a statement, he declares, "I would like to make it quite clear that following the serious allegations that have been brought against me on Thursday, February 14, 2013, I am innocent of these charges and intend to fight them vigorously.
"I will now put all my efforts into clearing my name and proving my innocence. I thank my friends, family and fans for their continued support. I would ask now for time to concentrate on preparing my defence with my legal team."
Le Vell is due to appear before magistrates in Manchester, England on Feb. 27.
The father of two, who split from his wife in 2012, has played car mechanic Kevin Webster in the soap opera for the past 30 years. He was previously questioned by cops on suspicion of an offence involving a young girl in 2011, but the investigation was dropped last year.
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