Ken Barlow remains one of the most legendary characters in Coronation Street history, having been a staple on the show since its very first episode in 1960.
Portrayed by actor William Roache, Ken has been at the heart of Weatherfield’s biggest storylines for over six decades, and his presence on the cobbles shows no signs of fading.
Currently, Ken is at the center of a gripping plot involving his carer, Cassandra Plummer, played by Claire Sweeney.
Unbeknownst to him, Cassie has been secretly poisoning him in a bid to keep him weak and dependent on her assistance.
This week, she was seen taking advantage of Ken’s trust by manipulating him and profiting from his generosity.
In a shocking moment, she received two air fryers but deceitfully hid one before selling it for personal gain.
Fans are eagerly waiting to see if Ken will uncover her sinister scheme before it’s too late.
Despite his character’s turmoil, William Roache continues to enjoy his role on Coronation Street. At 92 years old, he remains dedicated to the show and has even signed a contract extension for another year. The veteran actor has previously expressed his ambition to become the first soap star to still be working at the age of 100. Speaking about his future on the show, he stated, “Someone once asked me what else there is for me to achieve. I told them my goal is to be the first centenarian in an ongoing drama. As long as I am wanted and capable, I will keep going.”
Roache has spent the majority of his life playing Ken Barlow, having joined Coronation Street at the age of 28. His personal life has been just as eventful as his on-screen counterpart’s. In 1961, he married actress Anne Cropper, and the couple had two children, Linus and Vanya. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1974. Roache later admitted to infidelity during this period, revealing that he struggled with his personal choices. “I wasn’t faithful to my first wife, and I regret it deeply. I indulged in opportunities that presented themselves, but I realized later that it didn’t bring true happiness,” he reflected.
One of his well-known affairs was with his Coronation Street co-star Pat Phoenix, who played the iconic Elsie Tanner. However, Roache explained that their relationship was brief and not meant to last. “One night, we had a few drinks together, and things just happened. We both had reputations at the time, and we felt we should meet. But we weren’t right for each other. It was just a fleeting moment.”
Roache found love again with his second wife, Sara Mottram, whom he married in 1978. The couple had three children: Verity, Edwina, and James. Sadly, tragedy struck in 1984 when their daughter Edwina passed away at just 18 months old due to pneumonia. This was the first of several personal losses for Roache, as his wife Sara unexpectedly died in 2008 at the age of 58, and his daughter Vanya succumbed to a liver condition in 2018 at 50 years old.
The loss of Vanya was particularly painful for Roache, as he was unable to be by her side during her final moments. He recalled how bad weather prevented him from reaching the hospital in time. “To not be able to say goodbye to Vanya was heartbreaking. But I find comfort in knowing she is now at peace. I often think about the happy times we shared, and when I say, ‘I love you, Vanya,’ I believe she hears me.”
Despite these personal hardships, Roache remains positive and continues to captivate Coronation Street fans. Viewers frequently praise his youthful energy and remarkable longevity on the show. When asked about his secret to a long and happy life, he explained, “We take things too seriously at times. I believe that looking at life through the lens of humor is essential. If you can find joy in everyday moments, that’s the key to longevity. We should always celebrate life and strive for happiness.”
As Ken Barlow remains a central figure in Coronation Street, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for the beloved character. Meanwhile, Roache’s unwavering dedication to his craft ensures that he will continue to make history in British television for years to come.
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