Actor Robert Hughes has taken the witness stand in his trial, as he fights allegations he sexually assaulted five girls.

Hughes was the star of the Australian sitcom Hey Dad! when it aired between 1987 and 1994.

He has pleaded not guilty to 11 charges relating to the alleged indecent and sexual assault of five girls who were aged between seven and 15 at the time.

Today, on the 19th day of the trial in Sydney, Hughes has taken the stand for the first time after being called by his defence team.

Hughes appeared confident and relaxed in the witness stand, continually looking at members of the jury as he answered questions.

The court has previously heard of sleepovers in Hughes’ Sydney home where he walked naked into a bedroom where young girls slept.

Hughes today told the court he did sleep naked and would get up to use the bathroom at night.

But the 65-year-old said he always went straight back to bed.

The trial continues.