William Roache approaching 80

Next Wednesday will be William Roache's 80th birthday. As we all know, he's been playing the role of Ken Barlow since 1960 and holds the Guinness Record for it.

In today's Manchester Evening News, there's a nice long salute to Mr. Roache with a little slideshow as well. In the recent weeks leading up to his milestone birthday, he's been touring Canada and has been instrumental in the headlines touting his "1000 women". That figure may or may not be true but it certainly sounds like he's got at least one thing in common with his character, Ken Barlow.

In the coming weeks he'll be busy with rehearsals for The Street of Dreams in addition to Corrie and will celebrate his birthday with the help of his castmates next week. Showing no signs of slowing down very much, he's still enjoying being Ken, and has no plans to stop!

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