William Roache (89), Coronation Street actor has been with the soap since its inception as Ken Barlow. He is now set to continue the role past his 90th birthday
William Roache is reportedly now a six-figure actor and will continue to play Ken Barlow in Coronation Street.
The actor, who is 89 years old, was a part ITV’s soap opera from its inception. It is believed that he secured the deal before his 90th birthday.
Bill Roache will be leaving the soap at the end of the year, but he is still an integral part of Weatherfield’s storylines.
Silver Screen Beat was told by a source: “Bill is a huge part of Coronation Street and they know how much the fans adore him.
“They are thrilled to celebrate his 90th birthday by telling a great story.
“Bill may be pushing 90 but he still has the energy, passion and talent that make him soap’s greatest-ever actor.”
The Mirror reached out to ITV in an attempt to get comment.
After testing positive for Covid-19, Bill had to stop playing Street favorite Ken Barlow this year.
He’s still the Guinness Book of World Records’ longest-serving television celebrity in a single role.
Roache was Ken Barlow’s first appearance on Coronation Street’s opening episode in 1960.
It celebrated its 60th year anniversary in 2012 amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Ken Barlow was a key character in the storylines.
Ken’s chaotic love life has been documented over the years. He married Janet Reid, Valerie Tatlock and most importantly, Deidre Langton.
He was most recently in a relationship with Claudia Colby (Rula lenska), but now he is focusing on his family.
Current street family of Barlow includes his sons Peter Barlow & Daniel Osbourne, adopted daughter Tracy Barlow, Adoptive granddaughter Amy Barlow, as well as grandsons Adam Barlow, Simon Barlow & Bertie Osbourne.
Ken previously had a daughter, Susan Barlow, who was killed-off in 2001, whilst also having a son Lawrence Cunningham and grandson James Cunningham, who were played by Roache’s real-life sons Linus Roache and James Roache.
*Coronation Street continues next week from 7.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.