William Roache ‘hopes to reach centenarian’ as he spills secret to 64-year soap career
Coronation Street star William Roache reveals he still wants to be portraying Ken Barlow when he turns 100.
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William Roache holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running television star, and he’s still showing no signs of slowing down.
The iconic Coronation Street actor has portrayed the role of Ken Barlow since 1960 and signed a contract to appear on the soap for another year in December 2023.
Speaking to Alan Titchmarsh on a repeated episode of Love Your Weekend that aired on Monday, the star confirmed he has no plans to retire.
“Still going strong, and hope to make the centenarian,” he said. “That would be great.”
Presenter Alan asked: “Everyone wants to know, what’s the secret of lasting?”
William shared his simple advice: “The secret is to enjoy yourself.”
He then shed light on how he keeps a positive mindset around growing older.
“But, you know, there’s a collective consciousness about ageing, a lot of it is a belief system,” he explained.
“When you’re 60, you know, ‘Oh sit down, take it easy, aren’t you retiring yet?’ and all those things.
“No! Keep going! I’m doing a parachute jump in a few weeks’ time. You just do whatever you want to do, as long as you enjoy it, that’s the main thing.
“If you don’t use it, you lose it,” Alan chimed in, and William agreed: “Yes, absolutely.”
William recently turned 92 in April this year but, as he reached his 10th decade in 2022, he previously opened up during a special show for his birthday to confirm he has no plans to settle down.
"People will say, 'When are you retiring?' But then what happens? Whilst I can do it, and whilst they will have me, I have no intention of retiring,” he said.
"I am so fortunate to work for an organisation that is happy to have me.
“For me, it’s really just the same as ever. Getting on with it, steady as you go. If you enjoy doing something, keep doing it.”
