A TV producer who worked on Ricky Gervais's After Life and Extras has been accused of raping a woman 18 years ago.
Charlie Hanson, 73, allegedly attacked the woman in London in May 2008.
The charges come five years after a letter was sent to Netflix - which was filming the third series of After Life at the time - and Bafta, detailing the woman's allegations against Hanson.
Hanson, from Stepney Green in east London, has denied raping her as he appeared at Isleworth Crown Court.
The former producer denied raping the complainant on or about 15 May 2008. His trial is set to begin in the next two years.
Judge Martin Edmunds KC apologised to the producer for the delay.
Charlie Hanson, a TV producer who worked on Ricky Gervais's After Life and Extras has been accused of raping a woman 18 years ago
He said: 'I am sorry for the sake of everyone involved that your trial cannot be earlier.
'It reflects the number of people on our lists, and the number of people sent to us in custody.'
Prosecutor Christopher Hewitson said the historic case involved no forensic evidence, but involved 'a variety of text messages'.
Hanson had worked on TV sitcoms including Desmond's and Birds Of A Feather before producing the majority of Gervais's TV and film projects following The Office.
Hanson's week-long rape trial will begin on 7 February 2028.
