Long-serving Coronation Street star Bill Roache was last night charged over a rape allegation.
The 81-year-old actor, who has played Ken Barlow in the TV soap since its launch, was held at his home in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
He was questioned over an allegation of raping an under-age girl in Lancashire between April and July 1967 and later charged on two counts of raping a 15-year-old girl.
It is understood Roache, the world’s longest-serving soap actor, will not appear in the ITV show while investigations continue.
Nazir Afzal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “We have carefully considered all the evidence gathered by Lancashire Police in relation to William Roache following allegations of rape.
“We have been reviewing evidence and providing early investigative advice to Lancashire Police since 1 March 2013.
“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 two offences of rape relating to a girl, aged 15, in 1967.”
Roache will appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court on May 14.
An ITV spokeswoman said the broadcaster was not in a position to comment.
