BREAKING NEWS!!! Coronation Street legend signs new ‘six figure deal’ despite exit fears after 66 years
A major Coronation Street icon has reportedly secured a six-figure deal to remain with the soap. Bill Roache, 93, will carry on his work on the ITV drama for another year.
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The 93-year-old performing legend has prolonged his already world-record tenure on the Weatherfield cobbles, where he has been a central figure for 66 years. However, Bill, beloved by millions as Ken Barlow, is aiming to achieve an incredible seven decades on the drama-packed Manchester street. This follows concerns from fans that Ken might meet his end in a shocking car collision. Earlier this week, it emerged that the crash would be central to the forthcoming Emmerdale and Coronation Street crossover, dubbed Corriedale by ITV executives. “Devotees of Corrie and Emmerdale know that they aren’t afraid to bump off certain characters in sensational storylines,” a source said. They continued: “So when they saw the image of the burning wreckage of two cars in publicity shots for the special episodes, they could have feared the worst.”
They told The Sun: “Thankfully, they’ll have cobbles icon Ken on their screens for at least another 12 months.”
Previously, Bill has openly expressed his desire to continue performing when he reaches 100.
At present, the actor who resides in Wilmslow, Cheshire, maintains the world record as the longest-serving performer in an ongoing role. It’s reported that Bill ranks amongst Weatherfield’s most handsomely compensated performers, earning an eye-watering £250,000 for portraying Ken.
Speaking recently after securing the Lifetime Achievement Award at The Entertainment Agents’ Awards (TEAA), Bill said: “It’s a huge honour to receive this award, and I am very grateful for it.”
He continued: “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 – hopefully until I am 100!”