Bill Roache lines up cobbles return after recovering from Covid
CORONATION Street star Bill Roache has “recovered well” after contracting Covid and needing time away from the soap.
The 88-year-old, who plays Ken Barlow, was written out of episodes after testing positive. A Corrie spokeswoman said:
“Following recent reports about his health, William Roache has asked us to clarify that he took time off work after testing positive for Covid.
“He has recovered well and is looking forward to returning to the cobbles as soon as possible.”
A show source said plots involving Ken were “being written” and the soap is “limiting the time we film with the more elderly cast during the pandemic”.
Older stars include Barbara Knox, 87, who plays Rita, Sue Nicholls, 77, who is Audrey, and David Neilson, 72, who plays Roy.
Bill last appeared on March 10 but has since told bosses he is raring to go. A source added: “He is doing really well and is looking forward to returning.”
The veteran actor starred in the first ever episode of Coronation Street in 1960.
He said recently: “Retirement is not on the radar at all.”