Veteran actor Bill Roache has reportedly inked a lucrative new deal to remain on ITV's Coronation Street, quelling fears that his iconic character, Ken Barlow, was facing the axe. The 93-year-old, who has played the role since the soap's very first episode in 1960, is said to have agreed to a six-figure, one-year contract.
A Milestone Deal for a Cobbles Legend
This new agreement will extend Roache's record-breaking tenure on the famous Weatherfield cobbles to an incredible 66 years. According to reports, the actor harbours ambitions to continue in the role long enough to reach the monumental 70-year milestone. The news will come as a significant relief to devoted fans who had grown anxious after seeing promotional images for upcoming special episodes featuring a dramatic, burning two-car wreckage.
A source told The Sun: "Devotees of Corrie and Emmerdale know that they aren’t afraid to bump off certain characters in sensational storylines. So when they saw the image of the burning wreckage, they could have feared the worst. Thankfully they’ll have cobbles icon Ken on their screens for at least another 12 months." The storyline is part of a highly anticipated crossover event between the two ITV soaps.
Recalling a Famous Two-Year Feud
The contract revelation follows a recent public appearance by Roache, where he reflected on his storied career and disclosed a remarkable two-year feud with a late co-star. He recounted a clash with the legendary Pat Phoenix, who played Elsie Tanner, during a scene in 1971 surrounding the death of his on-screen wife, Valerie Tatlock.
"Pat said to the director: 'I don't think she'd take this from this young man...' She said she wanted to do something in the end, and the director said: 'Yes, Pat, anything you want,'" Roache explained. "So Pat asked me to pause, and she'd throw an ashtray at me. I said: 'No, Pat, you know what you've done here, and as far as I'm concerned, it's unprofessional.' We didn't talk for two years."
The frosty off-screen relationship only thawed when Phoenix invited him to her birthday party two years later. Roache noted they subsequently became good friends, and he praised her dedication, saying she "absolutely loved her new life as a celebrity" after years of striving for success.
A Lifetime of Achievement and Future Ambitions
Bill Roache's unparalleled contribution to British television was recently honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at The Entertainment Agents' Awards. Upon accepting the accolade, the actor expressed his profound gratitude and enduring passion for the show.
"I've enjoyed a wonderful career, and to have spent so many years working on such a special programme like Coronation Street has been magical," he said. Looking to the future with characteristic optimism, Roache added: "I'm looking forward to being in the programme for many more years to come - hopefully until I am 100!"
Daily Mail has contacted representatives for both Bill Roache and ITV for comment regarding the new contract.
