Coronation Street actress Kym Lomas has spoken out in defence of her co-star Michael Le Vell, saying he had the 'full support' of the show's cast.
The actor, who plays Kevin Webster in the soap, is currently facing child sex charges and is due to stand trial in September.
However Kym - aka Michelle Connor - told the Mirror that he would be welcomed back to the show.
"Michael has the full support of the cast," she said. "We're very much behind him and we're looking forward to having him back at work.
“We’re a team and we’re a team no matter what and obviously when things happen, no matter who it happens to, we’re always there to back each other up.
"It sounds really cliched but we are like a family. You have to be there for each other. You do have to take good care of each other.”
Michael has been written out of the show until his trial is over, but producers have previously indicated he would be welcomed back to the show if he is found not guilty.
Meanwhile former Corrie star Helen Flanagan has also spoken out in support of the actor, having starred alongside him for 11 years as his screen daughter Rosie.
"I don't believe it for a second," she said of the charges.
"I can't believe what Michael is going through, It's absolutely vile what is being said about him. He's a lovely, lovely man. Everyone at Coronation Street is behind him."
Co-star William Roache also added: "You're innocent until proven guilty. So let's wait until the trial is over."
