Coronation Street fans have recently discovered that William Roache's real-life sons, Linus and James, have also appeared on the ITV soap alongside him. The 94-year-old actor has portrayed Ken Barlow on the show since 1960, making him one of the longest-serving soap stars in history. Throughout his 66-year tenure, Ken has been involved in numerous dramatic storylines, including his long marriage to Deirdre Barlow and the infamous 'Who Attacked Ken?' plot in 2017, where he was pushed down the stairs by his on-screen son Daniel Osbourne.
Linus Roache's Role on Coronation Street
William Roache's eldest son, Linus Roache, born in 1964, first appeared on Coronation Street in 1975 at the age of nine, playing Peter Barlow, Ken's on-screen son. He became the fourth actor to portray the troubled character. Linus returned to the soap in 2010, this time playing a different role: Lawrence Cunningham, Ken's long-lost son. His appearance as a slick businessman surprised many viewers. Linus has since enjoyed a successful acting career, with roles in Hollywood films such as Batman Begins and The Wings of the Dove, as well as TV series like Homeland, Vikings, Law & Order, Billy the Kid, Doctor Who, and The Capture.
James Roache's Appearance
James Roache, William's younger son, also joined Coronation Street, playing James Cunningham, the on-screen son of Linus's character Lawrence. The storyline involved Ken trying to bond with Lawrence and James after initially refusing to accept James's homosexuality. William Roache expressed pride in working with his sons, saying: 'When I'm in New York, no one bothers about me; it's all about Linus. James is just getting started, but will no doubt be just the same.' James also portrayed his real father, William, in the 2010 drama The Road to Coronation Street, which explored the soap's origins. He later appeared in Cold Blood and Four Seasons before stepping away from acting after his Corrie stint ended in 2011.
Fan Reaction
On a Coronation Street fan Facebook group, one viewer asked: 'Did anyone else know that Ken's real sons were in the soap?' Another responded: 'I do now! No way.' A third posted a mind-blown emoji, while a fourth declared: 'That is amazing.' The revelation has sparked widespread interest among fans.
Family Tragedy
William Roache's daughter, Vanya, died at age 50 on March 4, 2018, from liver failure. William was granted compassionate leave from the soap. He revealed that a car accident prevented him from saying goodbye to Vanya before her death at a hospital in Chichester. He said: 'The pain of losing a child is unbearable. To not be able to say goodbye to Vanya was awful, but I take some comfort in knowing she is in a better place and at peace. But your children going before you is horrendous.'
Coronation Street airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX.
