Former Coronation Street actor Andrew Lancel denies sexually assaulting boy

Andrew Lancel, 42, was charged last November under his real name Andrew Watkinson (Ian West/PA Wire)

A former Coronation Street actor has denied sexually assaulting a teenage boy.

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 ITV soap.

Watkinson appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today where he pleaded not guilty to six counts of indecent assault of a child under the age of 15.

The charges relate to one male victim and the offending allegedly took place between 1993 and 1994, the court heard.

Watkinson, wearing a grey suit, white shirt and grey and black chequered tie, was granted bail until his five-day trial starts on 3 June.