Two jurors had to be excused from court and replaced during the first day of Michael Le Vell’s trial.

The Coronation Street star faces 12 charges altogether including five counts of rape, three of indecent assault, two counts of sexual activity with a child and two of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.

Today the court heard that Le Vell, whose real name is Michael Turner, raped a young girl while she clutched a teddy bear.

Eleanor Laws QC told the court that the abuse started when the 48-year-old actor slipped his hand under the girl’s clothing.

He then forced her to touch him. Ms Laws told the court: “Interlocking her hands in his, he took control of her hand and put it down his underwear.”

It is alleged that the first time Le Vell raped the girl she was holding a teddy bear while he put another one over her mouth.

“It’s okay. I’m making the evil stop once and for all now. It’ll be fine,” is what he is claimed to have told her.

He then raped her before kissing her on the cheek and leaving, the court heard. It is also claimed that he raped her orally on another occasion.

The actor appeared in Manchester Crown Court today.

Before the trial began Judge Michael Henshell told the jury to remember that it is Michael Turner, not the character Kevin Webster, who is on trial.

He also told them that if they were fans or wanted to be excused, they would need to tell him. Two female jurors were subsequently excused and replaced.

Last September a number of allegations were brought against Le Vell. The trial continues.