After a two-year investigation and a three-month global hunt by police, former TV star Robert ''Hey Dad!'' Hughes was last night behind bars in London, accused of molesting five girls more than 25 years ago.

His arrest prompted tears from one of Hughes's former co-stars on the hit show.

Arrested ... Robert Hughes.

She tweeted: ''I am literally crying with happiness right now.''

Police allege the charges relate to crimes against five girls between 1985 and 1990 in a number of northern Sydney suburbs.