CORONATION Street legend Bill Roache addressed his future on the cobbles as he received a prestigious award.
The actor, 92, has played Ken Barlow since the ITV soap’s debut episode in 1960.
And now, the star has added another achievement to his already glittering career.
Bill received a Lifetime Achievement Award at The Entertainment Agents’ Awards (TEAA), held on Tuesday evening at the Athena Leicester.
This honour recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the UK television industry.
He collected the gong from co-star Claire Sweeney, who has played Cassie Plummer since 2023.
Claire, 53, presented the award alongside singer Tony Christie, 81, Bill’s longtime friend.
Discussing the achievement, Bill told the Champions Speakers Agency: “It’s a huge honour to receive this award, and I am very grateful for it.
“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.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with some absolutely incredible actors over that period and made a lifetime of memories.
“I’m looking forward to being in the programme for many more years to come.
At the beginning of Corrie, the Barlow family featured Ken, his parents Frank and Ida, as well as brother David.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Ken Barlow reveals he’s won a huge amount of money in Coronation Street” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6360459592112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]But by 1968, Ken was the only one still appearing on a regular basis.
The character has been married to three women – while he tied the knot with Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride) twice.
In recent scenes, viewers were left horrified as Cassie – who is Tyrone Dobbs’ biological mother – drugged Ken over an extended period.
The troubled recovering addict befriended Ken after a fall and persuaded him to hire her as a carer.
Showering her castmate with praise, Claire said: “I feel very honoured to have worked with Bill.
“Not only is he a legend, he is part of the very fabric of British television.
“Watching him and working with him – he never drops a line, he’s so smart and aware, and just seems to be ahead of everyone.
“He’s brilliant, he’s a kind and generous man, and I feel honoured to have this storyline with him.”
Coronation Street continues on ITV1 and ITVX.
