Man remanded over Street star 'attack'

John Savident has been forced to miss a live episode of Coronation Street

A man has appeared in court charged in connection with the stabbing of Coronation Street actor John Savident.

Michael Smith, 28, was remanded in custody by Manchester City Magistrates on Friday, who adjourned the case for six weeks.

Mr Smith, of Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, Greater Manchester, is charged with wounding the 62-year-old actor with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.

He is also accused of robbing Savident of a wallet, credit cards, a designer watch, an invitation to a Coronation Street 40th anniversary dinner, silver money clip, £80 in cash, and house and car keys - worth a total of £1,500.

The Coronation Street star, who plays butcher Fred Elliott, spent 12 hours at Manchester Royal Infirmary, being treated for two stab wounds to his neck and cuts and bruises following the alleged incident at his flat near Granada TV studios in Manchester.

Savident has been forced to miss the recording of a live episode of Coronation Street on Friday to mark the programme's 40th anniversary.

Kristina Harrison, defending, made no application for bail and Smith was remanded in custody until 5 January.