It’s been reported today that Coronation Street star Michael Le Vell – who of course plays the role of Kevin Webster – has reacted angrily to reports in the media of late that suggested he felt “isolated” and that his Corrie co-stars, and the show’s bosses, had “turned their backs” on him.

The claims, which Michael says are untrue, were made in a tabloid newspaper which quoted a supposed friend of Michael’s who suggested that the actor feared his career on Coronation Street was over, even if he’s eventually acquitted of the charges of historic sexual abuse that he currently faces.

The Daily Star reports that the star’s lawyers are now “keeping a close eye” on the speculation about Michael and his job with ITV.

A show insider said, “There have been loads of negative stories about Michael but they are nonsense…

“He has a lot of support from his co-stars but they are hardly going to start speaking out now that there’s a court case pending.

“It wouldn’t be appropriate – but that doesn’t mean they’ve turned their back on him. That’s ridiculous.

“Michael just wants to be given the time and space to fight these charges and get back to the job he loves.”

However, Michael’s co-star William Roache, who of course plays Ken Barlow, did recently speak out about Le Vell, saying, “In my view you are innocent until proven guilty.

“Until that is sorted out, an allegation is just an allegation.”

As regular readers of Primetime may know from previous articles I’ve written, I have the same opinion and feel very sorry for men who turn out to be innocent but whose lives and careers are blighted by the allegations made against them.

Those accused of sexual offences may be, and often are, named, while the accusers are afforded anonymity, which is of course right and proper if their allegations are true. But if they’re not true, then it’s wholly wrong and unfair, but it’s up to courts to find that out of course.

The point being as far as I’m concerned, is that while I of course don’t know any details about any of the charges brought against a number of celebrity males of late, the problem for anyone whose job is affected by such allegations is – again, in my opinion – that they’re subjected to trial by suspicion of the no-smoke-without-fire school of thought.

As to to Michael, and also former Coronation Street star Andrew Lancel, who similarly faces charges relating to allegations of sexual abuse, neither of these men have been found guilty of anything at all, and in Michael’s case, the allegations were previously dismissed by the CPS when it was found there was insufficient evidence to bring the case to court…

However, a review took place and a new investigation was ordered. The case has been committed to Manchester Crown Court, where Le Vell, whose real name is Michael Turner, will appear on March 20.

Let’s hope the truth prevails and a line can be drawn one way or another once and for all under the whole sorry business.

For now, here’s a recent news report about the case against Michael…