Five Things to Know about Coronation Street Actor William Roache Corrie’s Ken Barlow

Coronation Street actor William Roache is one of the original characters. Considering the British soap opera has been on the air since 1960, that’s a long time to stay on one TV show! Keep reading to learn five things you should know about this actor and his incredible, yet colorful life and career.

1) Been On Corrie Since First Episode – Nearly 60 Years!

William Roache has portrayed Ken Barlow since the soap began on December 9, 1960. That is a total of 59 years on the ITV television program to date. That is quite an accomplishment for anyone in the entertainment business.

2) Admitted to Sleeping with 1,000 Women

The Coronation Street legend admitted in a 2012 interview with Piers Morgan that he slept with up to 1,000 women during his lifetime. However, looking back, it isn’t something he is proud of. According to Entertainment Daily, the actor had this explanation,

“Looking back, I didn’t know any better. But what I did find out is it does not bring you happiness and it is not the way to be…. There were plenty of girls around. I shouldn’t have done it. I didn’t have any control over my own sex drive. I didn’t have the strength to control it.”

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3) 2 of His Children Have Appeared on Coronation Street

Roache has five children and two of them have made appearances on Corrie. This includes Linus Roache, once as Peter Barlow between 1973-1975 and again as Ken’s long-lost child, Lawrence Cunningham in 2010.

Also in 2010, his half-brother, James, portrayed James Cunningham, making it literally a family affair.

4) William Roache is a Vegetarian

The Coronation Street actor is a vegetarian. His only comment about his dietary preference is that he doesn’t want animals being killed for him.

5) Suffers From Tinnitus

Roache has a condition called tinnitus. He has dealt with it since he was 21 years old. It happened after a mortar exploded while he was in the British Armed Forces. He lost 50 percent of his hearing in both ears.

What do you think of the facts you learned about William Roache? Are you surprised that he is still playing on Corrie after all these years?

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