'Coronation Street's Michael Le Vell to return this week

Coronation Street star Michael Le Vell has apparently told bosses he will continue filming the show as normal.

The actor, who plays Kevin Webster in the ITV1 soap, was arrested last month over claims he sexually abused a schoolgirl.

Le Vell denies the allegations and had asked producers for an extra week's holiday to clear his name.

It also emerged that the soap star had split from his wife of 25 years Janette Beverley in recent months, and Coronation Street executives therefore held emergency talks to draw up a contingency plan should he need more time off.

However, during his visit to the set last week, Le Vell told bosses he would be back at work this week - meaning a Christmas storyline involving Kevin's anger at Sophie (Brooke Vincent) and Sian's (Sacha Parkinson) plan to marry will go ahead.

"Things were very much up in the air but Michael has now moved to alleviate the concerns of bosses," a source told the Daily Star Sunday. "It was very much a business as usual message from Michael. He has been totally frank with executives about the precise nature of the allegations.

"He has assured executives that he will clear his name. He says he is looking forward to returning to work because his conscience is clear and they are looking forward to welcoming him back this week."