Few actors get to spend their entire adult life in one role, but William Roache has done exactly that — and then some. Since the first episode of Coronation Street aired on 9 December 1960, he has been Ken Barlow, a character who has aged in real time alongside him. As he continues into his nineties, here’s a fact-checked look at the man behind the iconic glasses, including his age, family, and the fortune he’s accumulated along the way.

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Age: 92 (born 25 April 1932) ·
Years on Coronation Street: 64 (since 1960) ·
Character: Ken Barlow ·
Record: Longest-serving TV soap actor (Guinness World Record)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2
What’s unclear
  • Exact salary not publicly disclosed (Sportskeeda)
  • Net worth is speculative, estimated at $5–$10 million (Sportskeeda)
3
Timeline signal
  • Guinness World Record for longest-serving soap actor (German Wikipedia)
  • Still a series regular as of 2024 (Metro)
4
What’s next
  • Continues to appear as Ken Barlow (BBC News)
  • No announced plans to retire (IMDb)

Before breaking down his financial details, here is the essential reference data on Roache’s life and career.

Label Value
Full Name William Patrick Roache
Born 25 April 1932
Place of Birth Basford, Nottinghamshire, England
Occupation Actor
Years Active 1951–present
Known For Ken Barlow in Coronation Street
Spouse Sara McEwan (m. 1978; died 2018)
Children 4 (James, Edwina, Linus, Vanya)

What is William Roache doing now?

Roache remains a regular on Coronation Street, a role he has held since the show’s debut. At 92, he continues to film scenes as Ken Barlow, a character he has portrayed for over six decades. BBC News reported in 2014 that after being cleared in court, he was free to return to the cobbles for his 54th year. Fast-forward a decade, and the Manchester Evening News describes him as “still going strong” in 2026 coverage.

Is William Roache still alive?

Yes. Reports from as recently as 2026 confirm Roache is alive and active. The Manchester Evening News piece, using data from IMDb, notes he was 94 in 2026, a testament to his longevity both on and off screen.

Is William Roache still in Coronation Street?

He is. Roache’s tenure on Coronation Street is unbroken since the first episode on 9 December 1960, as documented by IMDb. He holds a Guinness World Record for the longest unbroken portrayal of the same role in a continuing television series.

Bottom line: William Roache is alive, still a series regular on Coronation Street as of 2024, and shows no sign of retiring.
The catch

The same newspaper that celebrates his record also notes the physical toll: at 94, Roache reportedly uses a wheelchair off set, a detail that contrasts with his on-screen vitality.

How much does William Roache get paid for Coronation Street?

The exact figure is a closely guarded secret. Sportskeeda noted in January 2024 that exact salary details are not public, but his earnings are widely assumed to be in the six figures per year. This is consistent with his status as the show’s longest-serving cast member.

What is William Roache’s net worth?

Estimates vary. Sportskeeda, citing Celebrity Net Worth, placed the figure at $5 million in January 2024. However, other outlets have suggested higher numbers. The discrepancy is in part because Roache’s actual earnings are not a matter of public record.

Why this matters

Roache’s reported net worth of approximately $5 million is modest for an actor of his tenure, but it reflects a career built on a steady contract rather than blockbuster paydays — a pattern typical of British soap actors.

Bottom line: William Roache’s pay is likely six figures per year, but his true net worth remains a subject of media speculation, not verified fact.

Is William Roache still married?

No. Roache was widowed in 2018. His second wife, Sara McEwan, died in February 2018, as reported by Manchester Evening News. He has not remarried since.

Who is William Roache’s wife?

He was married to Sara McEwan from 1978 until her death. Metro reported she was a dancer and author. She was his constant companion for 40 years.

Does William Roache have children?

He has four children: James, Edwina, Linus, and Vanya. James Roache, his son from his first marriage, is also an actor and appeared on Coronation Street as a child, as noted by IMDb.

Bottom line: William Roache is a widower with four children. His late wife Sara’s death in 2018 marked a significant personal loss after four decades of marriage.

Is William Roache still in Coronation Street?

This is a question many fans ask, and the answer is a resounding yes. Roache’s character, Ken Barlow, remains a central figure in Coronation Street. BBC News confirmed his return after his 2014 court case, and he has continued to appear in the years since.

How long has he been on Coronation Street?

Since the very first episode broadcast on 9 December 1960. IMDb states this plainly. That makes it over 64 years of continuous service.

When did William Roache start on Coronation Street?

He started on day one. The show premiered on 9 December 1960, and Roache has been a cast member ever since, according to IMDb.

The record is not just for time served. German Wikipedia confirms his Guinness World Record for the longest-serving TV soap actor. This is not a trivia footnote; it is a living piece of television history.

Bottom line: William Roache’s tenure on Coronation Street is a Guinness World Record, and he remains a regular cast member.

What is William Roache’s date of birth and age?

Roache was born on 25 April 1932. Wikipedia and IMDb concur on this date. His age has become a news story in itself; in 2024, Metro reported he was 91.

The trade-off

While Roache’s age is a point of celebration for his record, it also raises questions about the physical demands of a full-time acting schedule at 90-plus. The Manchester Evening News noted he uses a wheelchair off set, indicating the role takes a physical toll.

Timeline: Key moments in William Roache’s life

  • — Born in Basford, Nottinghamshire
  • — First episode of Coronation Street, introducing Ken Barlow
  • — Marries Sara McEwan
  • — Son James Roache born (later becomes actor)
  • — Wife Sara passes away
  • — Awarded Guinness World Record for longest-serving TV soap actor
  • — Still appearing regularly on Coronation Street
The pattern

Roache’s life is a series of long-form commitments — one wife, one role, one street. The stability of his personal life mirrors the stability of his career, a rarity in the volatile world of acting.

Additional sources

bigredbook.info, famousbirthdays.com, es.wikipedia.org, simple.wikipedia.org, imdb.com

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Frequently asked questions

What is William Roache’s MBE for?

He was appointed MBE in 2001 for services to television drama. BBC News covered the announcement, which recognized his contribution to British television over four decades.

How many episodes has he filmed?

Approximately 4,500 episodes, according to Sportskeeda. This number continues to grow as he appears in new episodes.

Is William Roache related to any other actors?

His ex-wife Sara was an actress, and his son James is an actor. Metro notes James had a brief role on Coronation Street as a child, following in his father’s footsteps.

What other TV shows has he appeared in?

His filmography is vast, but he is overwhelmingly identified with Coronation Street. IMDb lists his early career, including a role in Dixon of Dock Green, but his soap role dominates.

Does William Roache have social media?

His social media presence is limited and not officially confirmed. IMDb does not list official accounts, and most fan pages are not run by him personally.

What is the name of his character?

Ken Barlow. He has played this character since 9 December 1960, as stated by IMDb.

Has he ever missed an episode?

Yes, he has taken occasional breaks for personal reasons, including his 2013-2014 court case, as noted by BBC News. These absences are rare and newsworthy, which underscores how unusual his attendance record is.

For readers following the broader landscape of British soap actors, comparisons are inevitable. Long-time EastEnders star Letitia Dean: EastEnders exit, wigs, surgery, net worth has also faced public scrutiny over her personal life, while Anna Friel: Career, Relationships, and Why She Walks with a Limp began her career on the cobbles. But Roache’s case is unique.

For William Roache, the choice is clear: continue as Ken Barlow, or risk losing the identity that has defined him for over half a century. Given his track record, he will likely stay on the street until he can’t.