Coronation Street star Michael Le Vell has had a difficult time over the past few months after he was accused of sexually abusing a schoolgirl last September but the actor has now thanked his fans and colleagues for their support after being cleared of the allegations.
Michael, 47, who plays Kevin Webster in the soap, expressed his relief at being cleared of the allegations in a statement released today.
In the statement, Michael said: "Following the conclusion of the police enquiry into allegations that have been widely publicised in the national press, I would like to acknowledge and give thanks to the Greater Manchester Police for the fair, thorough and independent investigation that they have conducted.
"I have maintained my innocence throughout and I am delighted to be completely exonerated by the decision that there will be No Further Action taken in this matter.
"I would like to thank the public sincerely for their loyal support during what has been a most difficult and upsetting phase in my life.
"I also want to give special thanks to my colleagues on Coronation Street and ITV Studios and ITV for their unwavering support of me. It is now my intention to continue working and hope to put this extremely difficult period behind me."
He said: "It's been a struggle to stay sane. At times, I felt like throwing myself under a bus. I was in a bad way."
He said: "No one should have to go through what I've been through.
"These are the worst sort of allegations anyone could face."
"Saying I raped a kid, it's just horrific."