British Soap Opera Star William Roache Accused Of Rape: "Coronation Street" Suddenly Creepier

A British soap opera star has been accused of rape. William Roache, a longtime star of British soap opera "Coronation Street" is facing charges he raped a 15-year-old girl in 1967. He was arrested on Wednesday.

In a statement Thursday, British soap opera star William Roache he is "deeply horrified" by the charges and "strenuously" denies them.

The 81-year-old actor has played Ken Barlow on the British soap opera "Coronation Street" since the show premiered in 1960. The soap is among the longest-running programs on British television.

Roache is charged with raping the girl between April and July of 1967.  At the time, he was 35 years old and the girl was 15.  The act is alleged to have taken place in Haslingden, England. He is scheduled to appear at Preston Magistrates' Court on May 14.

In March, CPS and Lancashire Police began reviewing evidence in the case.  "Having completed our review, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest for Mr Roache to be charged with two offenses of rape relating to a girl, aged 15, in 1967," Chief Crown Prosecutor, Nazir Afzal, said in a statement.

"I am astounded and deeply horrified by the extraordinary events of the last 24 hours," Roache said to the BBC in a statement through his lawyers. "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, who  set a Guinness World Record for being the longest-serving soap actor will not appear on "Coronation Street" until the charge is over. He was arrested on two counts of rape in his home.