Ex-Coronation Street actor says he ‘dabbled with homosexuality’ but denies abuse allegations
Former Coronation Street actor Andrew Lancel told police he had “dabbled” with homosexuality when he was younger but categorically denied having any sexual relations with “minors or children”, a court has heard.
Andrew Lancel, 42, was charged last November under his real name Andrew Watkinson. The actor, from Gateacre in Liverpool, is best known for his role as Frank Foster in the long running ITV soap Coronation Street.
Lancel has pleaded not guilty to six counts of indecent assault of a child under the age of 16 and is on trial at Liverpool Crown Court.
The charges relate to one male victim and the offending allegedly took place between 1993 and 1994 when he was aged 14 and 15.
The jury heard extracts from Lancel’s police interviews in which he denied any wrongdoing.
Lancel, who is married with a son, told police he was heterosexual but said he had had “experiences other than with a female” when he was younger.
The Press Association reports he said: “I have been around for a long time, you know. I’m 42 so I’m not going to lie and say I haven’t dabbled.”
But he went on to tell police that he has a wife and he is not gay.
He said: “It’s nothing. I’ve not broken any laws. I have been to parties, heavy parties. I’ve not broken any laws…I’ve never had a relationship with a man. I’ve never had sexual intercourse with a man and if I had I would tell you.”
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