William Roache says there are "no winners" after being acquitted of historic sexual abuse charges.
The ‘Coronation Street’ actor, who was today (06.02.14) found not guilty of four counts of indecent assault and two rapes against girls under 16 between 1965 and 1971, gave a short statement outside Preston Crown Court after the trial jury reached its unanimous decision.
William, 81, told reporters: "I’d like to thank all those who’ve supported me during this situation.
"First and foremost, ITV Granada for their loyalty and support all the way through.
"And of course, my family, who you have seen.
"I’d like to thank my colleagues and friends who’ve supported me, and all the people I don’t even know who have sent me great support through all this."
The actor – who has played soap favourite Ken Barlow in ‘Corrie’ since its first episode in 1960 – poignantly ended his brief speech by calling for people to be "kinder" to one another following his court experience.
He added: "In these situations there are no winners. And I think we should all be much kinder to ourselves.
"Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to get back to work."
Meanwhile, ITV has issued a statement regarding William’s future on the long-running soap, saying: "We look forward to talking to Bill soon about his return to work."
The actor hasn’t been seen in ‘Corrie’ since May 2013, when the historic sexual abuse charges were first brought against him.
William Roache: ‘No winners’ after sexual abuse trial
