[Scarlett.]

Coronation Street actor Michael Le Vell will not appear in any further episodes of the soap while he faces child sex offences, ITV has confirmed.

The 48-year-old's character Kevin Webster has been immediately dropped from the programme as legal proceedings continue.

Earlier today (February 15), it emerged that Le Vell has been accused of 19 offences including raping a child, indecently assaulting a child and sexual activity with a child.

An ITV spokesperson said: "Given the serious nature of these charges, Michael Le Vell will not be appearing in Coronation Street pending the outcome of legal proceedings. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time."

Le Vell, who was charged under his real name Michael Turner, is scheduled to appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, February 27.

He was previously arrested and questioned over the alleged child offences in September 2011, but the matter was later dropped.

The character of Kevin has been appearing on Coronation Street since 1983.

DS

Obviously if he is proven guilty, this means Kevin Webster will now have left Coronation Street.