Former 'Coronation Street' Star Eric Potts Pleads Guilty To Making Indecent Images of Children

Former 'Coronation Street' star Eric Potts has pleaded guilty to six charges relating to the making and distribution of indecent images of children.

Potts, 61, who is best known for playing baker Diggory Compton on the ITV soap, appeared at Blackburn Magistrates' Court on 1 October, where he admitted three counts of making indecent photographs of a child and three counts of distributing them. He is due to be sentenced at Burnley Crown Court next month.

Eric Potts Pleads Guilty in Court

The actor's hearing reportedly lasted about 10 minutes, and Potts pleaded guilty to all six offences. The charges followed a police investigation in Lancashire. According to prosecutors, officers seized several electronic devices from Potts' home, including a computer, laptop and iPhone, after an investigation into an account linked to the address.

The devices were subsequently examined by a digital forensic unit, which found indecent images. Prosecutor Safia Hussain told the court that the material fell into Categories A, B and C under the classification system used for indecent images of children.

Potts admitted making 83 indecent images over a period spanning from May 2015 to October 2025. Prosecutors said seven were classified as Category A, while a further 16 were Category B and 60 were Category C. He also admitted distributing five of the images on 16 July 2024.

How the Investigation Began

Lancashire Constabulary said it received information in August 2025 that a user of a file-sharing account had uploaded an indecent video involving a child to the internet. Officers from the force's Internet Child Exploitation Team attended the address connected to the account and arrested Potts on suspicion of possession and distribution of indecent images of children. He was subsequently released on bail while further enquiries were carried out.

A forensic examination of his electronic devices allegedly uncovered additional indecent material, leading to a further arrest. Potts was formally charged in September 2026 before appearing at Blackburn Magistrates' Court the following month. The case has now been sent to Burnley Crown Court, where Potts will be sentenced. The sentencing hearing is expected to take place next month.

Eric Potts' TV Career

Potts is perhaps most recognisable to television audiences for his role as Diggory Compton in 'Coronation Street'. He appeared in around 50 episodes of the ITV soap between 2005 and 2006, playing the eccentric baker and father of Molly Compton. His character was eventually written out after his business failed.

Potts also had an extensive career away from the cobbles. His television credits include 'Brookside', 'Casualty', 'Heartbeat', 'The Royal', 'Last of the Summer Wine' and the BBC Scotland sitcom 'Still Game'. He also appeared in 'Doctor Who' in 2005 and had roles in 'Emmerdale' between 2012 and 2018.

The Scottish-born actor, who was raised in Irvine, Ayrshire, trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School after initially studying law at Glasgow University. He subsequently developed a career in theatre and pantomime alongside his television work.

Potts' guilty pleas mean the case will now move to the sentencing stage, where the court will determine the appropriate punishment for the offences. He will return to court at Burnley Crown Court next month.