William Roache appeared in the very first episode of Coronation Street and is the only remaining member of the original cast.
Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow (played by William Roache) has been far from sprightly of late as he struggles in the aftermath of a fall which has seen him require a carer. The character is supposed to be 85 years old compared to William’s real life 92 years but despite his pensioner status has always been in rude health.
This latest development looks ominous for the character, who has been a staple on the cobbles in the ITV soap for 64 years since the very first episode. However, William appears to have no plans to go anywhere, which means Ken will surely overcome his current struggles.
In a special show to celebrate his 90th birthday in 2022, William said: “People will say, ‘When are you retiring?’ But then what happens? Whilst I can do it, and whilst they will have me, I have no intention of retiring.”
He continued: “I am so fortunate to work for an organisation that is happy to have me. For me, it’s really just the same as ever. Getting on with it, steady as you go. If you enjoy doing something, keep doing it,” he said.
“I suppose I always feel like I’m learning,” he pondered when asked about the secret to his success.”You know, people ask me if the younger ones ask me for advice and I say no, they’re all so good and confident that I feel I should ask them.
“I always feel I’m still growing up. I never feel grown up in life anyway. And then I’ve always got things to learn.
“Working with people like Chris Gascoyne and so many other members of the cast is so good. It’s such a privilege.”
Ken’s troubles began in June when he felt under the weather and headed home from Stu Carpenter’s (Bill Fellows) birthday celebration.
He was later found collapsed at the bottom of the stairs and ended up in hospital and was told he would require constant care during his recovery.
This has led to Cassie Plummer (Claire Sweeney) being employed to look after him. While Ken has warmed to her his frustration at not being able to fully fend for himself has been evident.
William however has no such issues. In his birthday special, he said the ageing process is “just experiencing things as you go along. [It] doesn’t necessarily mean deterioration.
“That’s the sad thing, the collective consciousness of humanity says you live to 70 and start to deteriorate towards the end.
“If you genuinely believe that you’re deteriorating then you will deteriorate. But you don’t have to buy into that belief.
“People say ‘Oh, I’m a bit old for that’. Nonsense if you want to do something, it shouldn’t matter what age you are.
“Value your time as you get older. Enjoyment is the key. If you enjoy doing something, keep doing it.”
