The trial of former Grange Hill actor John Alford accused of sex offences involving an underage girl has been delayed because he is in hospital.

The 53-year-old from Islington was due to appear at St Albans Crown Court today (December 2), under his real name John Shannon, but the seven-day trial has now been adjourned.

Alford is accused of four counts of sexual activity with a child, and two counts relating to a second female – of sexual assault and assault by penetration, which allegedly too place in 2022.

He was charged after an investigation by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s specialist Sexual Offences Investigation Team, but pleaded not guilty to all six charges at St Albans Crown court on September 26, 2023.

Alford rose to fame as playing Robert "Robbie" Wright in the BBC children's drama Grange Hill from 1985 to 1990, before starring in ITV series London's Burning from 1993 to 1998.

He also had three Top 30 hits on the UK Singles Chart in 1996, following the release of his self-titled studio album.