Celebrities arrive at the red carpet for the British Soap Awards at the Hackney Empire in London, UK. WORLDWIDE RIGHTS Pictured: William Roache Ref: SPL4088031 240514 NON-EXCLUSIVE Picture by: FameFlynet.uk.com / SplashNews.com Splash News and Pictures Los Angeles: 310-821-2666 New York: 212-619-2666 London: +44 (0)20 7644 7656 Berlin: +49 175 3764 166 photodesk@splashnews.com World Rights
Soaps

William Roache hates Coronation Street being called a ‘soap’

The Ken Barlow actor insists it's so much more

William Roache hates Coronation Street being labelled as a “soap”.

The 87-year-old actor appeared as Ken Barlow when the ITV show first aired in December 1960, and is still a cobbles regular.

He has compared the programme to movies like Look Back In Anger, which sought to present “life as it really was”.

Read more: Coronation Street star in tears on Lorraine over emotional scenes

He told the Sunday Post: “Coronation Street was to be the TV equivalent of that, if you like a cutting-edge series which presented the people and their lives in the terraced houses of towns and cities.

“The realism meant there would be agreements and disagreements, romances, problems, and laughter.

“It was not a documentary so we all needed to be character actors and it worked.

“I actually don’t like hearing it called a ‘soap’ because it really is a drama and ‘soap’ sounds rather belittling for a drama series that has held the nation’s interest for so long.”

Coronation Street's Ken Barlow first ever episode
Ken’s been there since day one (Credit: YouTube)

Next year will mark the show’s 60th anniversary, but Bill doesn’t want to be singled out for his own longevity in the role.

He said: “The series has made history and it is wonderful to be a part of it but I do see it as a team effort, a family.

“I wouldn’t dream of walking around wearing a T-shirt saying I am the longest-serving actor in a role in the world. I never think about such things.”

And after celebrating his 80th last month, we’re sure he’ll be there in years to come (Credit: ITV)

Read more: Coronation Street’s Jane Danson reveals Julia Goulding has gone on maternity leave

The soap star also isn’t giving much thought to the idea of retirement, and he hopes to be able to keep playing Ken for a good while longer.

He added: “I want to be there and only 10 years later Coronation Street will be 70 so all being well, Ken will be there for that too and who knows, another 10 years after that there could be a special storyline when Ken gets his 100-year telegram from the Queen!”

Recently William appeared on This Morning and left fans stunned when he revealed his real age.

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