Street star Kevin in schoolgirl sex arrest

Photo: Picture: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire

Michael Le Vell.

Coronation Street star Michael Le Vell, who plays garage owner Kevin Webster, has been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a schoolgirl.

The Oldham actor, real name Michael Turner, was quizzed by police at his home in Hale following the allegations.

He vigorously denies the allegations and said he will do “everything in his power” to clear his name.

The father-of-two trained at Oldham Theatre Workshop before making his name playing mechanic and then garage owner Kevin Webster in the hit soap for the past 28 years.

In a statement, he said: “I strenuously deny these allegations and will do everything in my power to prove my innocence.”

Police last night confirmed that a 46-year-old man from Hale was arrested at 8am on September 30 on suspicion of a historic sexual offence.

The report was made to police on September 29 and the offences relate to the abuse of a child. Mr Le Vell has been bailed until November 16 pending further inquiries.

A spokeswoman for “Coronation Street” producer ITV said: “We are aware these allegations have been made. Given that a police investigation is under way, it would not be appropriate to comment further on this matter.”

Le Vell joined the soap in 1983 and quickly endeared himself to fans who have followed the trials and tribulations of Kevin — his stormy marriage to Sally, played by Sally Dynevor, and fathering two teenage girls as well as a love child from his affair with Molly Dobbs.