Corrie star ‘very sorry’ over child abuse comments

Coronation Street star Bill Roache said he was “very sorry” over his controversial comments on the victims of paedophiles which seemed to suggest they were being punished for past sins.

Roache, 80, who has played Ken Barlow in the soap for more than 50 years, had told New Zealand’s One News that the public should not be judgmental but be “totally forgiving” of people who have committed child sex crimes.

In a statement, the actor said: “I would like to say that I am very sorry for any offence that has been caused as a result of my comments.