Emmerdale star Ben Freeman has been charged with rape while on holiday in Barbados, the Foreign Office has confirmed.
The 26-year-old, who plays Scott Windsor in the ITV1 soap, was arrested and charged with the rape of a British woman by police on the Caribbean island earlier this week.
A Foreign Office spokeswoman said she could not confirm reports that the victim was a 16-year-old girl.
But the spokeswoman said: "A female British national has reported an alleged rape. That was reported to the Barbadian police on Wednesday, November 29. The accused is also a British national and we can confirm his details. The next of kin are aware and both individuals are receiving consular assistance."
Freeman was due in court in Barbados on Friday but the hearing was postponed.
No details of when he will next appear before magistrates were available at the moment, the Foreign Office spokeswoman said.
Freeman's agent Katie Threlfall said she was aware of the story but had no way of contacting him and could make no comment.
It was reported that Freeman was on holiday at the luxury Almond Beach Village in Barbados at the time of the incident.
An Emmerdale spokeswoman said: "This matter is in the hands of the police on Barbados and whilst the investigation is ongoing, we are not in a position to comment.
"Ben has been in touch with the producer who is aware of the situation."
