Coronation Street star William Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since 1960, is not the only actor in his family. His real-life sons Linus and James Roache also appeared on the ITV soap alongside him, a fact that has surprised many fans.
Linus Roache's Roles on Coronation Street
Linus Roache, born in 1964, first appeared on Coronation Street in 1975 at age nine, playing Ken's on-screen son Peter Barlow. He became the fourth actor to portray the troubled character. In 2010, Linus returned to the soap as Lawrence Cunningham, Ken's long-lost son, appearing as a sharp-suited businessman.
James Roache's Appearance
James Roache, Linus's younger brother, later played James Cunningham, Lawrence's on-screen son. Ken Barlow tried to connect Lawrence and James after Lawrence refused to accept James's sexuality. William Roache said he was "enormously proud" of their time together on the soap, adding: "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."
Fan Reactions
On a Corrie Facebook fan page, one person asked: "Did anyone else know that Ken's real sons were in the soap?" Another replied: "I do now! No way." A third commented with a mind-blown emoji, and a fourth declared: "That is amazing."
James Roache's Other Work
James also portrayed his own father, William, in the 2010 drama The Road to Coronation Street about the soap's history. He appeared in Cold Blood and Four Seasons before stepping back from acting after his Corrie role in 2011.
Linus Roache's Career Highlights
Linus Roache has built a successful career in Hollywood and television. He appeared in films such as Batman Begins and The Wings of the Dove. On TV, he played David Wellington in Homeland from 2017 to 2020, Richard Shaw in Summer of Rockets (2019), King Ecbert in Vikings (2014–2017), and Executive ADA Michael Cutter in Law & Order (2008–2010). More recently, he has appeared as John Tunstall in Billy the Kid, Reginald Pye in Doctor Who, and Colonel Figgis in The Capture.
Family Tragedy
William Roache's daughter Vanya died at age 50 on March 4, 2018, from liver failure. Bill was granted compassionate leave from the soap. He shared: "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.
