Coronation Street’s William Roache was ‘paranoid’ over stroke storyline
WILLIAM ROACHE has entertained millions of Coronation Street fans since the soap first launched in 1960, but the iconic star has admitted Ken Barlow’s latest storyline left him feeling “paranoid”.
William Roache has opened up about Ken Barlow's stroke storyline
Coronation Street pays tribute to Jean Alexander
Last night, viewers were left stunned as the patriarchal figure collapsed following an argument with his estranged son Peter Barlow, who made a shock return to the Street after almost two years.
However, Peter’s dramatic comeback was laced with tragedy as just moments before Ken was set to depart the dreary streets of Weatherfield for a luxurious Venetian cruise he suffered a stroke.
But will Ken make it out of his latest health scare alive? Speaking exclusively to press, including Express.co.uk, the 84-year-old small screen veteran confessed that even he’s not safe from the dreaded axe.
“When I first heard about it I was a bit paranoid,” he explained. “The first thing I said was, ‘Do I get better?’ I wanted to make sure I got the medical advice that was totally correct. I wanted to know about the onset, which was quite rapid.
“I wanted to work out a way I could speak. You don’t act the deformity you act through it, so I bit my tongue.”
Though, William assured he welcomed the nail-biting storyline with open arms.
Ken ended up suffering a stroke just as he was about to go on holiday
Peter Barlow made a shock return to Weatherfield this evening
When I first heard about it I was a bit paranoid
“As an actor it’s been good to have something to do like that but you want to get it right, which I think we did,” he enthused. “I’m very fortunate to have such a vibrant story. It’s not a one-off; it can go on for years.”
Thankfully, the legendary star has no desire to depart Corrie anytime soon. So much so that he has one remarkable ambition to conquer before he leaves Ken and his army of adoring fans behind.
He beamed: “It will be good to be the first centenarian still in a soap.”
Peter visits Ken in hospital after the stroke
Peter Barlow made his return after 2 years
William has been playing Ken since the soap first started
Elsewhere, David Platt, stunningly played by Jack P. Shepherd, will see his life hang in the balance this week as he sets his sights firmly on revenge.
As Gail (Helen Worth) stumbled over David’s tragic suicide note, which outlined his plans to blow up Clayton - the killer of his late wife Kylie (Paula Lane) – the desperate mother concocted a questionable idea to lock her raging son in a cellar.
Whether David makes it out of the grim basement will all be revealed this week. Regardless, it’s safe to assume his reckless behaviour will have monumental ripples for the entire street.
Coronation Street continues this Wednesday at 7.30pm on ITV.