Police are today looking into fresh claims that cleared Coronation Street star Bill Roache sexually assaulted three women.
The actor, who plays Ken Barlow in the soap, was found not guilty of indecently assaulting four girls aged 12 to 16 and twice raping a fifth, following a four-week trial at Preston Crown Court.
But the star faces fresh anguish today after three more women came forward, making allegations to Lancashire Police, during his trial.
A police spokeswoman told MailOnline the allegations are being 'looked into' but added that no formal investigation has been launched.
She said: 'During the course of the trial of Mr Roache, a number of other people have contacted the police with further information.
'This information will be reviewed to ascertain what action, if any, needs to be taken in relation to it.
'Mr Roache was acquitted of all the charges in the trial and there is no current investigation.'
The star was accused of using his fame and popularity to exploit 'starstruck' youngsters, aged 16 and under, in the late 60s and early 70s.
The 81-year-old always maintained his innocence and blamed hysteria after the Jimmy Savile scandal for 'money-grabbing' women who falsely accused him of sex offences.
He has said he will not comment on any aspect of his court ordeal.
His management team declined to comment on the news of fresh allegations.
Earlier this week it emerged Mr Roache will return to TV screens playing Ken Barlow this summer.
The 81-year-old is due to meet with the show's bosses this week to discuss his return after scriptwriters sent his character to Canada in May.
Speaking outside court following his acquittal, the actor, who has been in the soap since its first episode in 1960, said: 'In these situations there are no winners. I would like to get back to work.
ITV then said immediately afterwards: 'We look forward to talking to Bill about his return,' with sources saying he will start filming scenes in April to be shown from July onwards.
Cleared: The Coronation Street actor was found not guilty of indecently assaulting four girls aged 12 to 16 and twice raping a fifth, after a four-week trial at Preston Crown Court
Past and present cast members have rushed to celebrate his acquittal, but also slammed the 'wasteful' and 'nonsense' decision to prosecute him.
The jury took less than six hours to reject allegations made by five women dating back almost half a century, leading to furious claims the case had been brought as part of a ‘celebrity witch-hunt’.
Roache's QC said the ‘spectre’ of Jimmy Savile had haunted the inquiry since the start and led police to single out the actor for unfair treatment due to his celebrity status.
Nazir Afzal, the Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England, has said it had been right for the allegations against Roache to be put before a jury, insisting his celebrity status made no difference.
But barrister Neil Addison, a former Senior Crown Prosecutor, said: ‘I do think that there is a witch hunt in the sense of the post-Savile era.’
In his emotional speech on the steps of court he thanked ITV, his friends and family for their support since he was arrested.
He also thanked his friends at the spiritual love sect - the Circle of Love - who he meets with twice a month to practise spiritual healing, meditate and discuss the mysteries of the universe.
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