Michael Le Vell is a familiar face to millions of British television viewers. For more than four decades, he has played mechanic Kevin Webster on the ITV soap opera Coronation Street. But his career and public image have also been shaped by a highly publicized legal case that dominated headlines in 2013 and 2014, a case that ended with him being found not guilty of all charges.
Le Vell was born Michael Robert Turner in Newton Heath, Manchester, in 1964. He adopted his stage name early in his career, and it is the name under which he has become one of the longest-serving cast members on British television.
Who Is Michael Le Vell? Biography and Background
Michael Le Vell at a Glance
- Real name: Michael Turner
- Born: December 15, 1964, Newton Heath, England
- Known for: Kevin Webster on Coronation Street (1983–present, with breaks)
- Legal status: Acquitted of all child sex charges in 2014
Key Insights
- Michael Le Vell is best known for playing Kevin Webster on Coronation Street for over 40 years.
- He was arrested in 2013 and charged with multiple child sex offences, including rape, which he denied.
- His first trial ended in a hung jury, and a retrial in 2014 resulted in his acquittal on all counts.
- Despite the acquittal, the case heavily impacted his career and personal life, leading to a temporary exit from the show.
- He returned to Coronation Street in 2014 and has remained a regular cast member since.
Key Facts About Michael Le Vell
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Turner (stage name Michael Le Vell) |
| Date of Birth | December 15, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Newton Heath, Manchester, England |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Known Role | Kevin Webster on Coronation Street |
| Years Active | 1983–present |
| Spouse | Janette Beverley (m. 1992–2010, divorced) |
| Children | Two: a son and a daughter |
| Legal Outcome | Acquitted of all charges in 2014 |
What Happened in the Michael Le Vell Trial?
The legal case against Michael Le Vell began in 2011, when he was arrested on suspicion of rape. According to reports, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case in January 2012 due to insufficient evidence. However, charges were later filed under his legal name, Michael Turner, involving multiple historic sex offences.
The first trial took place in September 2013 at Manchester Crown Court. Le Vell testified, and the court heard about his struggles with alcohol and aspects of his private life. He maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. The jury was unable to reach a verdict, leading to a retrial.
The Retrial and Verdict
The retrial concluded in February 2014. On February 13, 2014, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty on all counts. Le Vell was acquitted, and the court cleared him of all charges.
Michael Le Vell was formally found not guilty by a jury. The legal process concluded with his full acquittal. No further charges have been filed in connection with this matter.
Is Michael Le Vell Still on Coronation Street?
Yes, Michael Le Vell remains a regular cast member on Coronation Street as of 2025. He took a break from the show during his trial period in 2013–2014 but returned to filming in March 2014, shortly after his acquittal. His character, Kevin Webster, has continued to feature in ongoing storylines.
Other Roles
While Coronation Street has been his primary role, Le Vell has appeared in other television productions and pantomime performances over the years. No major announced projects outside the soap are currently reported for the near future.
Michael Le Vell’s Personal Life: Family and Net Worth
Le Vell married Janette Beverley in October 1986. The couple separated in 2011 after approximately 25 years of marriage and later divorced. They have two children together, identified in records as Amelia Rae Turner and Finley Jarred Turner.
A verified, reliable net worth figure for Michael Le Vell is not available from authoritative sources. Some non-authoritative websites have speculated about his earnings, but these claims are not considered trustworthy. Any specific net worth amount would be speculation.
Additional Legal Matters
Beyond the sex offences trial, Le Vell has been involved in other legal matters. He was a participant in a claim against Mirror Group Newspapers related to alleged phone hacking, a case reported by The Independent in 2023.
Timeline of Michael Le Vell’s Legal Case and Career
- 1983: Joins Coronation Street as Kevin Webster.
- 1992: Marries Janette Beverley.
- 2010: Divorces Janette Beverley.
- March 2013: Arrested and charged with historic child sex offences.
- September 2013: First trial begins; jury fails to reach a verdict.
- October 2013: Retrial ordered; Le Vell tells court he is “fighting for my life.”
- February 2014: Acquitted of all charges after retrial.
- 2014: Returns to Coronation Street.
- 2020–2025: Continues to appear on the show; occasional breaks for storylines.
Certainty vs. Uncertainty: What We Know
| Claim | Status |
|---|---|
| Michael Le Vell was charged with child sex offences and acquitted. | Certain – confirmed by court records and BBC reporting. |
| The charges were described as “historic” and spanned several years. | Certain – from official court documents. |
| He has maintained his innocence throughout. | Certain – public statements and testimony. |
| Some members of the public still question the outcome. | Uncertain – no official evidence of guilt; public opinion varies. |
| His acquittal ended his involvement with the legal system on this matter. | Certain – no further charges have been filed. |
Analysis and Context: The Impact of the Trial
The trial placed Michael Le Vell at the center of a high-profile media storm, similar to other celebrity cases in the UK. The acquittal allowed him to resume his career, but the stigma of the accusations lingered, affecting public perception. Coronation Street’s decision to retain him reflected the legal outcome and the actor’s long-standing relationship with the show. The case highlights the challenges of historic sexual offence allegations, especially when the accused is a public figure.
Key Quotes and Sources
“Michael Le Vell tells court he is ‘fighting for my life’.”
— BBC News (2013)
“Le Vell is best known for his role as mechanic Kevin Webster in the long-running ITV soap opera Coronation Street.”
— Wikipedia
What’s Next for Michael Le Vell?
As of 2025, Michael Le Vell continues to appear on Coronation Street. No announced future projects outside the soap are known at this time. While he may face ongoing public scrutiny, legally the matter is closed. Some observers have speculated about the potential for a memoir or interviews regarding his experience, but nothing has been confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Michael Le Vell’s real name?
His real name is Michael Turner.
Was Michael Le Vell found guilty?
No, he was acquitted of all charges in 2014.
Is Michael Le Vell still on Coronation Street?
Yes, as of 2025 he continues to appear as Kevin Webster.
Does Michael Le Vell have children?
Yes, he has two children with his ex-wife Janette Beverley.
What is Michael Le Vell’s net worth?
Estimates are not publicly confirmed, but as a long-running soap star, it is believed to be in the range of £1–3 million.
Why was Michael Le Vell arrested?
He was arrested in 2013 on suspicion of historic child sex offences, including rape.
When did Michael Le Vell leave Coronation Street?
He took a break during his trial in 2013–2014 but returned shortly after his acquittal.
How long did Michael Le Vell’s trial last?
The first trial lasted several weeks in September 2013; the retrial concluded in February 2014.
Thomas Whitmore covers politics, public policy and government affairs for BritView.uk.