Veteran broadcaster Stuart Hall has been charged with indecent assault.
The Wilmslow-based TV presenter and commentator was arrested at his Prestbury Road home this morning by Lancashire Police, on suspicion of rape and indecent assault.
Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service the 82 year old presenter has been charged with three offences of indecent assault.
A spokesperson from Lancashire Police said "Stuart Hall, of Prestbury Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, has been bailed to appear before Magistrates in Preston on January 7th 2013.
"The offences are alleged to have been committed between 1974 and 1984 and to involve three girls aged between 9 and 16 years.
"He has been released without charge on the allegation of rape and a further allegation of indecent assault."
Stuart Hall, who has lived in Wilmslow for over 30 years, was appointed OBE for his services to broadcasting and charity in the 2012 New Year Honours list.
Born in Ashton-under-Lyne, he joined the BBC in 1959. Between 1965 and 1990 he presented the BBC's regional news programmes for the North West and he has a weekly column in the sports section of the Radio Times.
He became particularly well-known as the presenter of It's a Knockout in the 1970s and early 80s and works as a football reporter for BBC Radio 5 Live.
