The 81-year-old soap star is accused of two counts of raping a 15-year-old in 1967 and five indecent assaults involving four girls aged between 11 or 12 and 16, allegedly committed between 1965 and 1968. Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since its first episode in 1960, walked into Preston Crown Court today with his children Linus, James and Verity, led by a team of security guards.
Arrival: Coronation Street Star Bill Roache walks to Preston Crown Court with children Linus (behind left), James (next left) and Verity (right) for the start of his trial, where he is accused of historical sexual offences
When charged with rape, Roache - who plays Ken Barlow in the ITV1 show - issued a statement in which he said he was 'astounded and deeply horrified' by the accusations.
He said: 'I strenuously deny the allegations and will now focus my full attention on fighting to preserve my innocence in the challenging times ahead.
'I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all those people who have offered me their support and good wishes at this difficult time.'
Roache later formally pleaded not guilty to the seven counts he faces.
The world's longest-serving soap actor has not appeared in the programme while the legal proceedings are ongoing.
He has been on bail since his arrest with various conditions including residence, no direct unsupervised contact with anyone under 16 and not to approach named witnesses.
The trial at Preston Crown Court is scheduled to last up to four weeks.
Support: Roache - who has played Ken Barlow for decades - arrived flanked by his security in front and his children behind
Entrance: The star's security were forced to clear path through a crowd as he arrived at Preston Crown Court this morning
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