Michael Le Vell fears he will not return to Coronation Street

Michael Le Vell fears he will be axed from Corrie after 30 years - even if he is found innocent of child sex offences, according to a story in The Mirror today.

The Street has been a huge part in Le Vell's life for three decades - bringing him a steady income and making him a household name as garage boss Kevin Webster.

Now, as he sits out Coronation Street as he battles child sex allegations, Le Vell - real name Michael Turner - fears he will be left with nothing, even if he proves his innocence.

As he awaits his next court appearance on March 20 after being freed on bail at an earlier hearing, the actor told a friend he can't imagine the executives welcoming him back with a big blockbuster storyline after weeks of lurid court details.

"He believes Kevin could very well be finished and will be quietly sidelined and then written out," the unnamed friend told The Mirror.

"He's only really ever had this one job - and now he fears it could be his last.

"But, first things first, he's determined to fight these charges all the way and prove his innocence."

Le Vell was apparently devastated, though not surprised, when he was told his character was to be written out of the long-running ITV show pending the outcome of his trial. The friend added: "Although he found that disappointing, he understands that ITV's hands are tied in that respect.