William Roache

William Patrick Roache MBE (born 25th April, 1932) has played the part of Ken Barlow in Coronation Street from the debut episode on 9th December, 1960 to the present day, making him the only remaining member of the original cast. He is the second-longest continuous actor in the history of television serials, according to the Guinness Book of Records, as Don Hastings of U.S soap opera As The World Turns has played the part of Bob Hughes since October 1960.

William sued The Sun newspaper for libel in 1992 when it accused him of being as boring as his Street character Ken. He won £50,000 in damages (the same amount The Sun initially offered out of court) but was liable for the considerable legal costs. He declared himself bankrupt in 1999, the same year he spoke out in the media against the growing trend of sensationalist storylines in British soaps.

William's first wife Anna Cropper, second wife Sarah Roache, and son Linus Roache have all appeared in Coronation Street. He won a Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Soap Awards in 2000, and was awarded the Member of the British Empire the following year.