'Coronation Street's Michael Le Vell is set for a new £250,000 deal if he is cleared of rape charges.
The 48-year-old actor, real name Michael Turner, will stand trial in September accused of 19 charges of rape, indecent assault and sexual activity with a child. If he is fond not guilty ITV plan to welcome him back to the soap with a big new deal which will help him to rebuild his life.
Michael strongly denies the accusations against him and is determined to prove his innocence.
A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Michael has been through two years of hell and he still has a job to clear his name in September and that remains his main area of focus he is taking nothing for granted in that department.
"He has not been suspended from work but has been putting his energy into the case and clearing his name.
"But the news of the contract, assuming he is cleared in September, means he can look forward to returning to the job he has loved and dedicated himself to for 30 years.
"It means he can start to put his life back together again."
Michael's character, Kevin Webster, has been written out of the show since he was arrested, but is said to have kept in regular touch with producers Kieron Roberts and Stephen Blackburn.
In the soap Kevin is looking after his sick father who lives in Germany, which would make it easy to write him quickly back into Weatherfield life if he is cleared.
A source close to the show said: "We would love to have Michael back on the Street. We all have our fingers crossed."
Michael was initially arrested in 2011, but bailed while further enquiries took place. The charges were initially dropped then he was re-arrested in February 2012 and charged with rape.
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