[Scarlett.]

Coronation Street actor Michael Le Vell has agreed to take a break from the soap after admitting to taking cocaine.

The 49-year-old, who plays Kevin Webster, recently confessed that he used the drug twice last year while at his "lowest ebb" over his court case.

Le Vell said that he first took cocaine in the lead-up to his trial, but also used the class A substance again after being found not guilty of all sex abuse charges against him.

The soap star had a meeting with Coronation Street producers today (March 4), where it was decided that he should take time off to address his issues.

An ITV spokesperson told Digital Spy: "Coronation Street and Michael Le Vell have mutually agreed that he will take a break from the programme whilst he seeks professional help for personal issues."

Le Vell spoke about his drug use to the Sunday Mirror at the weekend, explaining: "There were some bad influences around me and it felt like an escape.

"Now I'm so ashamed of what I did. I never thought that I was the sort of bloke who would like cocaine. But it was moments of weakness when I was at the lowest ebb of my life."

Le Vell was cleared in September 2013 and returned to filming at Coronation Street on January 20. Speaking at the time, he expressed his gratitude for "the most amazing support from cast, crew and members of the public over the last 12 months".

The actor's return scenes as Kevin are due to air later this month, as the mechanic arrives back in Weatherfield after time away caring for his sick father Bill in Germany

DS

[Kate!]

I'm still unconvinced he wasn't guilty of the charges.

[Firewire]

he's clearly unhinged, shouldn't have been allowed back so soon

[Scarlett.]

To be honest, at this point, I'd rather they just got rid, I've grown to really like Tim.