Langham in court over child porn

Chris Langham stars in BBC TV series The Thick of It

Actor Chris Langham has appeared before magistrates charged with 15 counts of making indecent images of children.

He was released on unconditional bail to appear at crown court next month.

The 57-year-old is also due at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday charged with eight counts of indecent assault and a serious sexual offence.

The award-winning comedy actor, who is married and lives in Cranbrook, Kent, has previously said that he is "determined to clear his name".

In a further statement, he also said he would withdraw from all BBC projects "until these matters are resolved".

Mr Langham was charged with making indecent images of children five months ago and then charged with alleged sex offences last month.

He recently won a Best Comedy Performance at the Baftas for his portrayal of government minister Hugh Abbot in the hit BBC political satire, The Thick of It.

He is a familiar face on BBC television shows, including his spoof documentary series People Like Us, which transferred to the small screen from BBC Radio 4.

He has previously been honoured at the British Comedy Awards and the Sony Radio Awards and by the Writers' Guild of America for co-writing The Muppet Show from 1977 to 1980.

Mr Langham has also written for Not The Nine O'Clock News, Murder Most Horrid and Spike Milligan's Q series.