Michael Le Vell is "delighted" at being cleared of all 12 charges relating to sexual abuse of a minor.
The 'Coronation Street' actor was found not guilty of five counts of rape, three of indecent assault, two counts of sexual activity with a child, and two of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, at Manchester Crown Court today (10.09.13), and he is planning to have a drink to celebrate.
Speaking from the steps outside the court room, he said: "You know, I'm delighted obviously here now, it's a big weight off everyone's shoulders.
"And I'd just like to thank my legal team, Alistair, Martin, Kev, my family for their support and security and ITV as well for their continued support throughout this dramatic time for all of us. And I just want to say thank you for all being patient and I might go and have a drink now believe it or not."
Michael - who plays Kevin Webster in the ITV soap - is planning to meet TV bosses to talk about returning to 'Coronation Street' but is keen to go on holiday before he returns to the show.
When asked when he might be back on 'Coronation Street', he said: "I might have a holiday first. I'll have to go and have a word with my boss."
Michael's co-star Ryan Thomas - who plays Jason Grimshaw in 'Corrie' - took to Twitter to congratulate the star on the news.
He wrote: "Just spoke to Mike and im very pleased to say he's NOT guilty!!!!!! Yessssssssssss!! Best news ever!!!! (sic)"
Jurors delivered the not guilty verdict to the 48-year-old actor - who was on trial under his real name of Michael Turner - on the seventh day of the trial as they entered their second day of deliberations.
Michael was initially arrested in 2011, but the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to proceed with the case.
However, after a review of evidence he was re-arrested and charged in February this year.
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