Former Emmerdale actor, Ben Freeman has been cleared of raping a sixteen year old girl during a holiday in Barbados two years ago.

Since the accusations emerged Ben has been ‘let go’ from Emmerdale and lost his slot on ITV TV show, Dancing On ice.

During the trial the 28-year-old actor admitted he knew the English girl was 16 at the time but said she never resisted his advances as claimed.

The jury took 90 minutes to reach a unanimous not guilty verdict.

Outside the court Ben said: “I’m grateful to be vindicated by the jury’s verdict and am looking forward to spending time with my family and close friends who have been enormously supportive to me over the past two years.”