William Roache: Coronation Street Icon Celebrates Lifetime Achievement at 92

Television Legend Receives Prestigious Recognition

Legendary Coronation Street actor William Roache OBE has been honoured at a glittering ceremony, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at The Entertainment Agents’ Awards (TEAA) held on Tuesday evening at the Athena Leicester. As the world’s longest serving soap actor, the 92-year-old icon has made an indelible mark on British television.

Roache is best known for playing Ken Barlow in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street and is the longest-serving cast member in the series, having appeared in the show continuously since its first broadcast on 9 December 1960. This remarkable achievement has earned him a place in the Guinness World Records.

A Career Spanning 65 Years

The timing of this recognition is particularly significant as Coronation Street celebrates its 65th anniversary, marking Roache’s uninterrupted presence on the cobbles. He received the gong from Claire Sweeney, the actress who recently tried to kill off his Ken Barlow character. Their recent dramatic storyline has garnered critical acclaim, with Sweeney describing Roache’s performance as “award-winning”.

Sweeney praised Roache, saying “It literally made me cry, he was so wonderful, so to do those scenes with Bill, who is a legend on screen, was just sensational.” The dramatic scene was so powerful that at the end, the crew gave him a round of applause.

Looking to the Future

Despite his advanced age and decades on screen, Roache shows no signs of slowing down. He stated that his aim is to be 100 and still working on Coronation Street, explaining “While they want me and while I can do it, I’ll continue to do it.” Roache has doubled down on his ambition to be “the first centenarian who is still cast in an ongoing drama”.

Significance for British Television

William Roache’s contribution to British television cannot be overstated. His portrayal of Ken Barlow has become synonymous with Coronation Street itself, providing continuity and stability through the show’s many changes over six decades. As Sweeney noted, “Not only is he a legend, he is part of the very fabric of British television.” For fans of the soap and television historians alike, Roache’s continued presence represents a living link to the golden age of British broadcasting and a testament to the enduring appeal of quality drama.