Sherrie Hewson worries about William Roache’s health following his trial for sex assault charges.
The former ‘Coronation Street’ actress and ‘Loose Women’ star was overcome with emotion last week when the 81-year-old actor – who has played Ken Barlow in the ITV soap since its first episode – was cleared of charges including indecent assault and rape, and she admits she worries about the effect the public ordeal must have had on him.
She exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "It must have hurt him, physically, health-wise. And apart from everything else, he’s not been in a job for a year.
"I was angry it even went as far as it did. It’s a waste of taxpayers’ money. It’s ludicrous what is happening now. We were all incensed it had got that far because it didn’t need to go to court. Apparently they didn’t have enough evidence – well, obviously not, because it was thrown out."
The 63-year-old star also believes it’s wrong to name people in relation to crimes such as sexual assault before they are charged.
Sherrie explained: "People should be protected. Until they’re charged, they shouldn’t be named. And when they’re charged, obviously, you go for it then.
"To spread him all over the newspapers … he was charged, but he was named long before he was charged. It was all over the papers for ever. It’s because he’s well known, because he’s iconic. It’s got to stop."
‘Nana’s Kitchen’ by Sherrie Hewson is out now in hardback by Macmillan, £18.99.
Sherrie Hewson ‘incensed’ by William Roache trial
