William Roache
We celebrate Corrie’s 60th anniversary with cast members old and new...
“Coronation Street has made history!”
CORONATION STREET | ITV WEDNESDAY
Coronation Street reaches an extraordinary milestone this week, as it celebrates a whopping 60 years on our screens – making it the longest-running soap opera in the world! That’s no mean feat in a year that saw a pandemic halt production on the show for the first time in its six-decade history… yet Corrie still remained on air.
We think that’s worth celebrating, and the show’s longest-serving cast member, William Roache (Ken) – who also happens to be the longest-serving TV soap star in the world – is first to recognise what a great achievement it is for Corrie to still be going strong after all these years.
“It’s been an amazing journey,” he grins. “When we first started, I don’t think we gave any thought to the fact that we were starting what was to become such an iconic TV series. The series has made history, and it is wonderful to be a part of it. There have been many great characters and actors from the start – there have been many great storylines, too.”
It may have been running since 1960, but the situations the folk of Weatherfield find themselves in nowadays are very relevant to modern society. The constant influx of new cast members keeps things fresh – and they’re just as excited as Bill to be a part of a television legacy…
“Growing up, I really loved Corrie,” grins Mollie Gallagher, who joined the Street as Nina last November. “I’m from a working-class background, so there were so many characters I could relate to. It’s just real, isn’t it?
“I’m so glad to be part of the 60th,” she adds. “I’m so lucky! I’m still star-struck, especially being on the cobbles. Doing my first scene in the Rovers was quite a crazy moment – it’s such an iconic place!”
For those of us who have grown up watching the cobbles drama, characters such as Ken, Rita, Gail, Kevin and Sally have become like members of our extended family. So it’s good to hear that the stars themselves are as loyal to the show as us fans are
– even the ones who’ve been there for almost four decades!
“When I first joined, it was for 12 episodes,” recalls Michael Le Vell, who plays Kevin. “That was 37 years ago… and the rest is history! I still get a buzz coming in to work every single day, and being part of the 60th is such an honour and a privilege.
“Corrie brings escapism,” he adds. “It brings realism; it brings awareness to issues such as suicide and male depression, and intertwined in all that it has brought laughter, joy and silliness. It’s a big milestone for a special show, and it’s a special moment in the nation’s heart.” Given the amazing things Corrie has already achieved, there’s no reason to think that it won’t be going for another 60 years! And Bill hopes to still be there for at least the next 20 of those… “I certainly do not see the end of Coronation Street,” reckons the star. “In 10 years, the show 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!
“I was a young father, then an older father, then a grandfather – now I’m kind of like the Godfather!” continues William, with a smile. “The storylines remain strong and the characters are good. I think that since people have been watching it for generations, it has become a part of everyone’s family.”
“Coronation Street turning 60 is a special moment in the nation’s heart…” MICHAEL