TV star Matthew Kelly chose the Liverpool Echo to speak out for the first time about his life since being arrested three weeks ago in connection with allegations of sexual abuse of boys in the 1970s.

The actor and presenter is about to star in the classic American play Of Mice and Men in the city and spoke to arts editor Joe Riley for a preview article.

Kelly launched his acting career in Liverpool and the play begins its national tour at the Playhouse next week.

Joe said: "He said in passing that he would deliberately not give an interview to the national press.

"And he has known me as a journalist over the past 30 years and realises I'm not writing to make an attack on him."

And as the 52-year-old television presenter coped with his personal drama, while he rehearsed for one on the stage, he told Joe: "There is no doubt my life has now changed irrevocably."

He described Matthew as looking well, smiling and joking with colleagues and friends.

Matthew is minus his trademark beard in preparation for the role, and says he has lost weight.

But his view is firmly - as Joe said - that the show must go on.

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