Bill Roache will face trial in January over allegations of sexual offences against five girls.
The 'Coronation Street' actor appeared at Preston Crown Court today (10.06.13) charged with five counts of indecent assault involving four girls aged between 12 and 16 in the 1960s, as well as two counts of rape involving a 15-year-old girl in 1967.
The 81-year-old star spoke only once during the six-minute hearing to confirm his name, William Patrick Roache, and his case was adjourned until September 2 for another preliminary hearing, which is when he is expected to enter formal pleas.
Bill's trial date has been provisionally set for January 13, 2014, and the court was told it is expected to last between three and four weeks.
The actor - who has portrayed Ken Barlow on 'Coronation Street' since the ITV soap began in December 1960 - was granted bail on condition he has no unsupervised contact with kids under the age of 16.
Last week, Bill's lawyer Brian Russell said his client is looking forward to standing before a jury to "vigorously protest his innocence", and described the allegations as "deeply upsetting".
An ITV spokesman has said Bill will not appear in 'Coronation Street' until legal proceedings are over.
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