William Roache: Last News

It's almost impossible to think of a TV show has been going for over 60-years, like Coronation Street. The longest running soap in the world, it first blipped onto our black and white TV screens in 1960.

Coronation Street fans are speculating that Asha Alahan might be starting a surprise affair. Asha, who has been dating Nina Lucas (Mollie Gallagher) for the past two years, seems to be getting quite close to newcomer Isla, leading fans to predict some heartbreak and drama for the couple. Asha (Tanisha Gorey) has recently started training as a paramedic and is being mentored by her experienced colleague, Isla.

She first appeared in Coronation Street as an exotic dancer called Rita Littlewood in 1964, but actress Barbara Knox made such an impression that bosses never forgot her. In 1972, Barbara was asked back and she begged Ken Dodd to release her early from his show. He kindly did and today Barbara is the longest- serving female TV soap actor in the world.To celebrate Barbara’s 90th birthday, ITV1 is paying tribute to its flame-haired star by telling her tale with tributes from her friends and colleagues.

Some actors arrive in a TV show and never seem to leave. Actors like EastEnders' Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale), plus Coronation Street's William Roache (Ken Barlow) and Neighbours' Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson). Others come and go but definitely make their mark, such as Casualty's Jonathan Kerrigan, who played the BBC medical drama's bleach blond-haired nurse Sam Colloby in the late 1990s.

It may be hard to believe but soon Helen Worth will be celebrating 50 years on the cobbles. The actress joined Coronation Street in 1974 as Gail Platt, 14 years after the ITV soap first hit screens.

Coronation Street viewers were left in disbelief over Ken Barlow star Bill Roache's age on Monday's Lorraine as they refused to believe he is 91 thanks to his youthful looks.The actor, who was born in 1932 and has been on the cobbles since Corrie's first-ever episode in 1960, appeared on the ITV chat show to reveal he had gone skydiving for the first time in his life and he shared his experience with fans at home. In the pre-recorded feature, it showed a delighted Bill skydiving with an instructor before releasing the parachute and landing in a field.

Sir Ian McKellen almost appeared on Emmerdale, but unfortunately, Coronation Street’s creator prevented the casting. While appearing on This Morning, Sir Ian, 84, spoke about his master plan to appear in every soap playing the same character. The idea began to formulate when he appeared in ten episodes of Coronation Street in 2005 as con artist Lionel Hipkiss who pretended to be an author called Mel Hutchwright.

Jack P Shepherd has been on Coronation Street for more than 20 years - but it wasn't until this weekend that he had a taste of his 'dream' job. The actor, who plays David Platt in the ITV soap, enjoyed a bit of work away from the cobbles.

Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd has jokingly shared his annoyance after his long-time co-star William Roache, also known as Bill, dropped a huge clanger during their recent set interaction.

The Coliseum is the last surviving professional, producing theatre in Oldham. It’s been in the town for over 100 years, survived two World Wars and a global pandemic, but at the end of March it will be forced to lower the curtain for the final time after losing its entire Arts Council England (ACE) funding.

He added: “I'm delighted to be receiving an OBE as it's such a wonderful honour. I can't tell you how proud I am.”"Coronation Street has given me so much in life and I absolutely love the programme and everyone who works on the show,” William concluded to The Mirror.Earlier this year, William spoke about his secret to longevity and how he is still able to enjoy his job at his age.He gave viewers his key to staying healthy during a conversation with Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on ITV's This Morning.William credited his longevity in part to “fun fitness” - an exercise class he attends once or twice a week.Talking about the classes, the TV star said: “What’s amazing about that is you’ve got five-year-old [children going] up to me and the exercises are appropriate for everybody.“It’s like playing tag at school or something.”Holly responded: “Keeping active like that is so important and that seems to be what your life looks like.There’s no slowing down.”Delving deeper into his fitness regime, William explained that he does a range of activities including basketball and boxing, which work to increase his heart rate and raise a sweat.He added: “It's not like going to the gym and doing a heavy serious workout.

Peter Kay is angry with late paedophile presenter Jimmy Savile for destroying the legacy of his music video for '(Is This The Way To) Amarillo'. The stand-up comic teamed up with singer Tony Christie in 2005 to release a version of the 1971 track - which had featured in Kay's Channel 4 sitcom 'Phoenix Nights' in 2002 - to raise money for charity Comic Relief. The video featured Kay and a host of other beloved British celebrities miming along to the lyrics and walking and dancing, these included 'Coronation Street' actor William Roache, his late 'Corrie' co-star Anne Kirkbride, late 'Bullseye' host Jim Bowen, Sir Cliff Richard, talk show host Sir Michael Parkinson, late comedy great Ronnie Corbett and more.

Coronation Street actor Bill Roache has said the Queen made you feel like you were “the only person in her life” as he reflected on his encounters with her over the years.The 90-year-old, who is best known for playing Ken Barlow in the ITV soap, recalled meeting the late monarch personally and during her two visits to the cobbles of Weatherfield while appearing on a special episode of This Morning on Monday. Bill was among one of the veteran cast members who greeted the head of state when she visited in 1982 to open the show’s new set and more recently in 2021 as the soap celebrated its 60th year on screens.

From Coronation Street to Line of Duty, the late Queen Elizabeth was a fan of popular TV shows like the rest of us – and even allegedly watched several episodes of Netflix's The Crown. Her Majesty apparently thoroughly enjoyed smash-hit police drama Line of Duty, which she reportedly devoured while isolated at Windsor Castle during the lockdown while grieving the death of her husband Prince Philip as well as the family rift from Harry and Meghan's explosive Oprah Winfrey interview in 2021.The late sovereign, who sadly passed away on Thursday, 8 September aged 96, was partial to arranged weekend screenings of The Crown, a "senior royal source" said in 2017.

Coronation Street legend William Roache says he 'fell in love' with Her Majesty the Queen from the moment he first met her. The Corrie icon met Queen Elizabeth II on several occasions.

The Queen last visited Greater Manchester just over 12 months ago - including a special visit to one of the region's most iconic institutions.

Coronation Street saw a former couple reunited during Monday night's episode (August 1) as Wendy Papadapoulos, nee Crozier, enjoyed a dinner date with her old flame Ken Barlow. Wendy, a former Weatherfield Council secretary, famously had an affair with Ken Barlow in 1989 leading him to divorce from his late wife Deirdre.

Coronation Street's Harriet Bibby, Elle Mulvaney, Jack James Ryan and James Craven seemed to be closer than ever as they partied at the soap's summer bash. Earlier this week, the cast and crew on the ITV programme were out in force for the annual do.

On Wednesday, trains were being cancelled and services disrupted as the UK recorded its hottest day ever at 40 degrees celsius.The star appeared on Loose Women alongside Colson Smith, who plays Craig Tinker and Ben Price, who plays his on-screen brother Nick Tilsley.In one segment, Jack was seen cringing when confronted about his old Corrie episodes.Jack has played the role of Gail's son, David Platt in the soap since 2000.The actor is one of the longest-serving cast members on the set of the soap, starting out at age 12.He was asked about beating fellow actor William Roache’s record, and he laughed at the suggestion.William Roache has been portraying Ken Barlow since the show began in December 1960.He is the only remaining cast-member from the show’s earliest days. 

Coronation Street's Antony Cotton may not have expected to protect Nicole Scherzinger as he took part in a special event over the weekend. The actor, best known for playing Sean Tully in the ITV soap, was among the famous faces joining the Platinum Pageant on Sunday (June 5) to mark the Queen's jubilee.