Coronation street legend, Michael Le Vell, celebrated his 60th birthday in the pub with his rarely seen fiancée on Sunday.
Michael, who plays Kevin Webster in the ITV soap, enjoyed his special day with Louise Gibbons, who he started dating in 2014. Seen sporting a crimson puffer jacket with a cosy-looking grey
jumper, the actor supped a pint as he marked the milestone in Manchester.
Louise, who was seen wearing her engagement ring, was also wrapped up against the cold, wearing a blue hoodie with matching baseball cap, leggings and knee-high brown boots.
Michael, whose real name is Michael Turner, popped the question to Louise in secret a while ago, with reports back in 2017 claiming the pair were planning a low-key wedding. The actor proposed after his then girlfriend supported him as he battled against booze and drug use after he was acquitted on sex abuse charges.
Michael Le Vell, who plays Kevin Webster in the ITV soap, is celebrating his milestone birthday
He was joined by fiancée, Louise Gibbons
However, in May 2018, the couple split following a series of reported rows at the home they shared. They were said to be on a “break” after Corrie star said he needed some time to “sort his life out”.
A source close to Michael told the Mirror at the time: “Everything has got too much for Michael and he needs some time on his own. He has gone into hiding and on Monday he told friends that it was over with Louise. She has been an amazing source of strength for him and he was bowled over by her but right now he needs to sort out his demons. They are still friends and when he sorts himself out they could get back together.”
Five years later and things looks back on track for the pair as they were papped laughing at the North West boozer as Man Utd fan Michael made the most of the celebrations, which coincided with his team’s epic win against rivals, Man City.
The actor has had a tough time after being arrested on suspicion of rape in 2011, which he denied. He was tried under his legal surname Turner. In January 2012, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case, citing insufficient evidence.
On 14 February 2013, Alison Levitt QC, stated that she had reviewed a decision not to prosecute the actor following allegations made against him in 2011. She authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Le Vell with 19 offences.
ITV announced that Michael would not be appearing in Coronation Street “pending the outcome of legal proceedings”. He stated: “I am innocent of these charges and intend to fight them vigorously.” Michael pleaded not guilty to all 19 charges. During the trial, which took place at Manchester Crown Court, his barrister described the accuser’s evidence as containing a series of inconsistencies. On 10 September 2013, he was found not guilty on all counts, and on 21 March 2014, he returned to his role as Kevin Webster.
