John’s celebrity friends spoke of their delight that the sex charges have been dropped. Fern Britton, John’s former collegue on This Morning, said ’I’ve never doubted John and now he can get on with his life and his career"

However, John will not be returning to This Morning. A spokesman for the show said "We asked John Leslie to tell us what he was planning to do to challenge the claims that were being made against him in relation to rape, sexual assault and cocaine. A week after these allegations were made we still had no response, despite our repeated requests for information. Given his silence it became impossible for him to continue to present the live daily show This Morning and we had to formally terminate his contract with ITV’s agreement."

"On John’s departure we had no choice but to establish a new presenter line-up for This morning. The presenters work very well together and have proved very popular with viewers. We do not propose changing that."

Although John is now celebrating with his friends and family, there is the future to think about. John has been offered a £1 million television deal to front his own prime-time talk show on Sky One. The satellite channel approached John a few months ago, despite the allegations hovering over his head. The talk show would be for five days a week and would air in October, should John go ahead.

It is something that he is said to be ’very excited’ about, however, he has been offered a flood of offers from other Tv Channels and production companies, so we’ll have to see which he decides to go for.

A Sky spokesman said: "Sky One can confirm that it is in talks with John Leslie regarding two potential television programmes but as yet no deal has been agreed."

Charged, but vows to clear name - 18/06/03
John Leslie vows to clear his name after being charged with two counts of indecent assault...

He appeared today at Forest Gate police station in East London where he was charged, and has been bailed to appear at Bow Street magistrates court in London on July 2nd.

The former TV presenter was charged with two counts of indecent assault on one woman between May 25, 1997, and May 28, 1997. He was charged under the Sexual Offences Act.

Speaking outside the police station, John Leslie said there is ’absolutely no truth’ in the charges that he indecently assaulted a woman, and that he ’welcomed the chance to show his innocence in a court of law’.

He said ’I eagerly await my trial to confirm my innocence and reclaim my life.To be accused of such a crime when you are innocent is a heavy burden for any man to carry, but when you are in the media spotlight it is a cruel experience.’

He thanked his family and girlfriend for their support.

John Leslie - The Movie - 09/06/03
Film execs have apparently approached Edinburgh born TV presenter John Leslie about turning his ordeal into a movie.

The Daily Express has said actor Dougray Scott may play Leslie if a movie is made. It said Anna Friel had been tipped for the role of Leslie’s girlfriend Abby Titmuss, who stood by him throughout.