Craig Charles Suspended From Corrie Following Crack Claims

Craig Charles? driver who was privy to his employer?s drug abuse has spoken out about the actors obvious problems.

The Mirror yesterday exposed Charles as a crack head with a number of photographs, allegedly showing Charles? taking hit after hit on a home made crack pipe during a drive from London to Manchester.

Today driver Richard McKenna has given the tabloid even more information on the personal life of Charles during an interview.

Charles admitted to having a problem with cocaine some years back, but over the last four months has managed to squander away ?25,000 on drugs and according to the Mirror, prostitutes.

McKenna also claims that once he walked into a hotel room where Charles was staying to find a prostitute helping him with his Coronation Street lines after a mammoth drugs bender.

The driver goes on to claim that he was often caught in the middle of rows between Charles and his wife Jackie, he said: ?It?s awful because I get caught up in their relationship. She knows I cover up for him.

?He lies to Jackie about when he is filming Coronation Street. He uses any excuse to stay at his flat in Manchester, but he only uses it to meet prostitutes and take drugs.

?It is disgusting inside his crack den. I am the only person allowed in to clean it because of the drugs evidence.?

McKenna claims that he has spoken out in order to try and hep his boss of two years, he said: ?I?m speaking out now because Craig is in such a bad way and needs help.

?I am worried for him. He is ignoring his responsibilities as a father and husband. I am worried he could kill himself if he continues taking so much crack.?

Charles has been suspended from Coronation Street and his popular BBC 6Music funk show while they both investigate the drugs claims further.

Charles met up with Corrie bosses yesterday and they have vowed to help the troubles star and have offered him rehab to help him deal with his problems.

A Corrie source said: ?The company has a history of helping people with drug and drink problems, especially high profile artists who have been on Coronation Street. Craig will be offered the same help. It?s up to him.?