Corrie actor Bill Roache has “strenuously” denied allegations that he raped a teenager girl in the 1960s.

The 81-year-old, who has played Ken Barlow in the ITV soap since its launch, said he was “astounded and deeply horrified” by the claims.

He has been charged with two counts of rape of a 15-year-old girl in 1967.

Responding to the accusations this afternoon in a written statement, he said: “I am astounded and deeply horrified by the extraordinary events of the last 24 hours.

“I strenuously deny the allegations and will now focus my full attention on fighting to preserve my innocence in the challenging times ahead.

“I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all those people who have offered me their support and good wishes at this difficult time,” the celebrity added.

Roache was arrested by Lancashire Police at his home in Wilmslow, Cheshire, on Wednesday.

He was charged with the offences some 12 hours later and arrived back at his address last night.

There was a large media presence outside his home on Thursday, but no sign of the actor.

ITV said in a statement that Roache – the world’s longest-serving soap actor – will not be appearing in Coronation Street until legal proceedings have concluded.

Roache collected an award from Guinness World Records in 2010 for his long service in Coronation Street, having joined in 1960 and appeared regularly ever since.

He will appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court on May 14.