Rape charge soap actor 'rested'

Freeman has been in Emmerdale for eight years

Emmerdale actor Ben Freeman is to take time off from the soap after being bailed over rape allegations.

A soap spokesman said Mr Freeman had asked for a leave of absence so he can fight allegations he assaulted a 16-year-old UK woman in Barbados.

The 26-year-old, who plays Scott Windsor in the series, will also stand down from all other engagements, including Soapstar Superstar.

He must return to Bridgetown Court on 15 March.

Mr Freeman returned to the UK just days after his bail was set at £25,000.

An Emmerdale spokeswoman said: "Ben Freeman has asked for leave of absence from Emmerdale to enable him to fight the legal proceedings he is facing in Barbados.

"We agree it would be best to rest his character from the show until the matter is resolved."

Mr Freeman was arrested following an allegation, made to police on 29 November, of a sexual assault at the Almond Beach Village resort.