Coronation Street's Michael Le Vell enjoys a drink with fianceé Louise Gibbons in first outing since their engagement was revealed as she proudly shows off her gold ring

By Rebecca Lawrence and Connie Rusk For Mailonline

Published: 14:42 GMT, 19 December 2017 | Updated: 18:02 GMT, 19 December 2017

e-mail

View
comments

It was recently revealed that he is engaged to girlfriend Louise Gibbons.

And Michael Le Vell looked to be celebrating the occasion in style as he joined his new fiancee and friends for a drink at a pub in Sale, Manchester after the news was announced.

Sipping on a pint whilst Louise proudly showed off her gold and diamond engagement ring, the 53-year-old soap star seemed in good spirits on the outing.

Scroll down for video

Newly engaged: Michael Le Vell looked to be celebrating the occasion in style as he joined his new fiancee and friends for a drink at the pub after the news was announced

Beaming broadly on the outing, Michael - who plays mechanic Kevin Webster on Coronation Street - also enjoyed a cigarette as he sat outside the bar.

Whilst news of the engagement only came to light this week, a source revealed that the couple have been betrothed for a year.

An insider told MailOnline: 'Michael been engaged for 12 months but is very private about his personal life so has not spoken about it at all.'

Flashing the rock: Sipping on a pint whilst fiancee Louise Gibbons proudly showed off her gold and diamond engagement ring, the 53-year-old soap star had seemed in good spirits

Two's company: Michael and Louise were seen chatting with one another whilst enjoying an al fresco drink - despite the chilly weather

The actor is said to be planning a low-key ceremony to mark his love for his 42-year-old fiance, after she stood by him as he fought his addictions and a court battle.

Michael had a turbulent few years after being acquitted of child sex offences in 2013.

He has battled to turn his life around after suffering with an alcohol and drug addiction six years ago but has made positive changes in his life to put him back to his best.

Holy smokes! Beaming broadly on the outing, Michael - who plays mechanic Kevin Webster on Coronation Street - also enjoyed a cigarette as he sat outside the bar

Cheers! Whilst news of the engagement only came to light this week, a source revealed to MailOnline that the couple have been betrothed for a year

Low-key outing: Michael was enjoying a quiet drink with his fiancee and friends after the news of their engagement came to light this week

Making plans: The actor is said to be planning a low-key ceremony to mark his love for his 42-year-old fiance, after she stood by him as he fought his addictions and a court battle

A source told The Sun: 'Michael has been to hell and back and even now feels the effects of the case.

'But throughout his battle with addiction he's had Louise by his side.'

The father-of-two met Louise near his Manchester home through a mutual friend in 2014.

Romantic: The Coronation Street star is reportedly planning a low-key ceremony to mark his love for the 42-year-old who stood by him as he fought his addictions

He will have Louise by his side, but now the star is reportedly facing bankruptcy proceedings after paying hefty legal fees to clear his name against child sex allegations.

The actor spent £200,000 fighting the charges before being found 'not guilty' of all 12 counts by a jury at Manchester Crown Court in 2013.

Ministry of Justice rules prevent people who can afford their defence from receiving tax-funded paybacks after the case, meaning all of the funding came out of the star's own pocket.

Difficult times: Michael, who plays Kevin Webster in the popular ITV soap, has had a turbulent few years after being accused of false child sex offences in 2013

Earlier this month, The Sun on Sunday reported that Michael had been contacted by the Bankruptcy Unit of the Land Registry about taking action.

A source told the paper: 'He had false accusations hanging over him for years and couldn’t work.'

Michael's first marriage to his wife Janette broke down in the midst of the allegations and the actor, whose real name is Michael Turner, later had to sell their £750,000 home in Cheshire.

Bankrupt? Michael will have Louise by his side, but the star is reportedly facing bankruptcy proceedings after paying hefty legal fees to clear his name against child sex allegations