Former Bad Girls and Coronation Street star Andrew Lancel is reportedly facing child sex charges.

Andrew Lancel – who is recognisable to Bad Girls fans as the abusive prison officer Barry Pearce during Bad Girls fourth series, is facing five counts of indecent assault against a child under sixteen.

The alleged crime took place over twenty years ago, when Lancel was in his early twenties. He will appear in court later this month, after being charged and bailed yesterday by Merseyside police.

Lancel’s solicitor has said that the actor “strenuously denies the allegations”.

Andrew Lancel had a three episode stint in Bad Girls fourth series as abusive control freak Barry Pearce – the new love interest for dopey prison officer Di Barker.