British soap star, most notably known for his role in "Coronation Street", has been arrested and charged with rape. According to BBC News, the soap actor raped a 15-year old girl in the 1960s.
Roache, now 81, is accused of two counts of rape stemming from the time period April to July 1967. Arrested at his home in Wilmslow, Cheshire, the actor denies the allegations.
"I am astounded and deeply horrified by the extraordinary events of the last 24 hours," said Roache. "I strenuously deny the allegations and will now focus my full attention on fighting to preserve my innocence in the challenging times ahead."
Fox News reports that the Crown Prosecution Service has been reviewing evidence since March 1. Nazir Afazal, chief crown prosecutor for the North West has released a statement.
"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 offences of rape relating to a girl, aged 15, in 1967," Afzal said.
Roache has been in the news lately for questionable comments concerning victims of rape.
"If you accept that you are pure love, and if you know that you are pure love ... these things won't happen to you," said Roache in an interview with New Zealand's One News TV show.
Roache reiterated "victims bring things on themselves." He continued, "no, not quite, but and yet I am ... everything that happens to us has been a result of what we have been in previous lives."
Through his lawyers, Roache thanked his supporters for standing by him through tumultuous times.
"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 said.
According to BBC News, Roache will not appear in future episodes of "Coronation Street" until legal actions are concluded.
