Michael Le Vell could be back on our screens in Coronation Street as early as Christmas, if he is found not guilty of the child sex offences for which he is due to go on trial. Le Vell, real name Michael Robert Turner plays the role of Kevin Webster on the popular UK soap but he was removed from the show’s storylines as soon as he was arrested again on 19 child sex charges.

Yesterday, the actor joked with fans and photographers outside the court, after learning in a brief hearing that his new trial date had been set for September 2, 2013. Le Vell looked relaxed and he received encouragement from those outside waiting to wish him well. One shouted “Go on, Kevin, lad,” referring to his on-screen character, to which LeVell gave a thumbs-up sign. The actor then spoke to the photographers, saying “it’s a nice early finish for you guys.”

A source told The Sun that LeVell is hopeful that he will be back working on the soap if his name is cleared and it seems that the show’s producers will take him back on in that eventuality. “Michael has been told that once the court case is over, if he has been cleared, then he will be back filming on the show as quickly as he wants. It’s given him something to focus on and has made him more ­positive. He has a spring in his step. Ideally, he wants to be back this side of Christmas.” 

Michael Le Vell
Michael Le Vell pictured here in January 2013