Micheal Ward, the Bafta-winning actor who starred in Top Boy and Blue Story, has appeared in court on charges of rape and sexual assault.

Ward, 27, who is also known for roles in shows and films including Small Axe, The Old Guard and Empire of Light, appeared at Thames magistrates court on Thursday wearing dark glasses and a black jacket. He spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth during a short hearing.

The actor, from Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, did not enter any pleas and was granted conditional bail. He will appear at Snaresbrook crown court on 25 September.

The charges relate to one woman and are alleged to have taken place in January 2023.

In a statement issued after the charges were announced last month, Ward said: “I deny the charges against me entirely. I have cooperated fully with the police throughout their investigation and will continue to cooperate.

“I recognise that proceedings are now ongoing, and I have full faith that they will lead to my name being cleared. Given those proceedings, I am unable to comment further.”

Ward first came on to screens in the 2016 film Brotherhood but is best known for his role as Jamie in Top Boy from 2019 until 2022.

He won the Bafta rising star award in 2020 and has been nominated a further two times. In 2021, he was nominated for the best supporting actor Bafta for his role as Franklyn Cooper in Lovers Rock, part of the BBC series Small Axe.

In 2023, he was nominated for the best actor in a supporting role for his performance as Stephen Murray in the Sam Mendes-directed film Empire of Light.

He also stars in Eddington alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, which is currently in cinemas.