Coronation Street star William Roache is facing fresh charges of indecently assaulting girls aged between 12 and 16 in the 1960s, British police say.
Roache, 81, is the world’s longest-serving soap actor, playing the character of Ken Barlow since the show’s launch.
Roache had five more charges added to his sheet for historical sex offences between 1965 and 1968, according to the Daily Mail.
Earlier this year, Roache was charged two counts of rape, which allegedly took place against a 15-year-old victim in 1967.
Crown Prosecution Services confirmed it had given Lancashire Police authority to lay the charges.
A prosecution services spokesman reportedly said three of the offences allegedly took place in 1965 and two in 1968.
He was bailed to appear before Preston Magistrates’ Court on June 7.
Chief Crown Prosecutor Nazir Afzal said all the evidence had been carefully considered.
“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 with five offences of indecent assault relating to four girls who were aged between 11 or 12 and 16 at the time that the alleged offences happened.
