Corrie's Le Vell thanks fans for support

Coronation Street star Michael Le Vell has thanked fans for sticking by him while he fought rape allegations.

The actor, 46, who has been a street regular for almost 30 years, was arrested in September and questioned by cops on suspicion of an offence involving a young girl.

However, police officers dropped the case due to insufficient evidence earlier this month.

Now Le Vell is wasting no time in getting back to work - he will rejoin the Corrie cast for production on Monday after a three-month break.

And he's taken the opportunity to reach out to his fans, saying in a statement, "I'd like to thank the public sincerely for their loyal support during what's been a most difficult and upsetting period.

"I also give special thanks to colleagues and ITV for unwavering support. I'm delighted to be completely exonerated. It is now my intention to continue working."