Leslie was accused of sexual misconduct by a number of women, following allegations made in presenter Ulrika Jonsson's autobiography 'Honest' released last year. However, only the accusations of one unnamed woman have resulted in charges.
The news comes as a surprise, with recent media speculation suggesting that the charges against Leslie had been dropped by the police.
In a statement, New Scotland Yard said: "The [Metropolitan Police Service] received advice from the [Crown Prosecution Service] in connection with this inquiry on 16th June 2003. John Leslie's solicitors were contacted by MPS officers that afternoon, and told of the advice and the decision to charge. It was agreed that John Leslie would attend a police station today where he would be formally charged."
Former 'This Morning' presenter Leslie, 38, who lives in Sheen, South West London, attended Forest Gate police station today and was charged with two incidences of indecent assault, both of which took place between May 25 1997 and May 28 1997.
Speaking outside of the police station after being charged, Leslie protested his innocence and told reporters: "There is absolutely no truth in the charge made against me, but now I will have the chance to show my innocence in a court of law before a jury of my peers.
"Such has been the speculation and endless rumour-mongering that I never believed I would be able to clear my name and my reputation, without going through the due court process.
"To that extent, I eagerly await my trial to confirm my innocence and reclaim my life."
He has been released on bail to return to Bow St Magistrates Court on July 2 2003.
The reports prompted Granada Television to defend its decision to sack Leslie as the presenter of 'This Morning' and the broadcaster said it would not be rehiring him.
Granada said that its sacking of Leslie was justified because the presenter had failed to clarify his position when the allegations of rape and sexual assault were first made.
After last week's reports emerged that he would not be charged, it was reported that Leslie was looking forward to rebuilding his TV career.
There has also been talk that he was considering suing terrestrial channel Five, which was the first media channel to link Leslie's name to allegations made in Jonsson's book on Matthew Wright's morning show 'The Wright Stuff'.
In May, Leslie had been set to sell his story to the Daily Express for a sum reported to be £550,000.
The former 'Blue Peter' presenter and former boyfriend of actress Catherine Zeta Jones joined 'This Morning' in 1999.
He took over as a full-time host with Fern Britton in 2001, when original presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan left.
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