Just when fans feared the end was near for Ken Barlow, Coronation Street’s most iconic resident, comes a surprise twist worthy of the soap itself — Bill Roache isn’t going anywhere. After rumors of a fiery car crash and whispers of a possible character exit, the 93-year-old actor has reportedly inked a jaw-dropping six-figure deal to remain on Corrie for another year.

“KEN BARLOW ISN’T DONE YET”

Bill Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since Coronation Street first aired in 1960, has defied both age and expectation. As the ITV drama gears up for a massive crossover event with Emmerdale — complete with burning wreckage and shocking deaths — insiders feared that the show might seize the moment to end Ken’s storyline in dramatic fashion.

A source told The Sun:

“Devotees of Corrie and Emmerdale know that they aren’t afraid to bump off beloved characters in sensational storylines. 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.”

But fans can breathe easy — Ken Barlow will be back on the cobbles for at least another 12 months. Roache’s new deal means the soap veteran will notch his 66th year on the show, and according to insiders, he’s hoping to push on to a mind-blowing 70-year milestone.

AN OFF-SCREEN FEUD THAT LASTED YEARS

As fans celebrate Bill Roache’s continued reign on Corrie, the actor opened up about a long-hidden behind-the-scenes feud that rocked the set in the 1970s. During a special live event titled An Audience With Coronation Street, Roache revealed a two-year cold war with co-star Pat Phoenix, who played the iconic Elsie Tanner.

The tension reportedly began during a scene following the on-screen death of Ken’s wife Valerie Tatlock (Anne Reid). When Roache’s character confronted Elsie for her unkind words, Phoenix allegedly resisted the script, calling Roache’s authority into question.

“Pat said to the director: ‘I don’t think she’d take this from this young man.’ She wanted to throw an ashtray at me in the scene. I refused. I told her, ‘As far as I’m concerned, it’s unprofessional,’” Roache recalled.

The result? A two-year standoff between the show’s most prominent stars. They worked together, but off-camera? Silence.

It wasn’t until Phoenix invited Roache to her birthday party that the tension finally thawed. “We became good friends after that,” Roache said, offering a rare glimpse into the passion and pride that fuels the long-running soap.

A LIFETIME OF SOAP — AND STILL COUNTING

Bill Roache’s commitment to Coronation Street is nothing short of historic. Not only is he the world’s longest-serving TV soap actor, but his dedication has earned him numerous accolades — including a recent Lifetime Achievement Award at The Entertainment Agents’ Awards.

Accepting the honor, Roache expressed no desire to slow down:

“I’ve enjoyed a wonderful career… I’m looking forward to being in the programme for many more years to come — hopefully until I am 100!”

His character, Ken Barlow, has lived through affairs, marriages, family betrayals, and personal tragedies — mirroring the evolution of British television itself. And yet, it seems there are still new chapters left to write.

FANS THOUGHT IT WAS THE END

The recent promotional photos showing two cars in flames triggered widespread fan panic, especially with the looming Emmerdale crossover. Social media exploded with theories: Was Ken going to die in the crash? Would his final moments be spent in a fiery wreck on the cobbles he’s called home for six decades?

Now, we know the truth: Ken Barlow — and Bill Roache — are not done yet.

For a show that has never shied away from dramatic exits, the survival of its oldest and most beloved character is a rare gift. And as Roache marches toward his 100th birthday with unstoppable grace, Coronation Street continues to make television history — one episode at a time.