William Roache

William Roache
Roache in 2017
Born
William Patrick Roache

(1932-04-25) 25 April 1932
Other namesBill Roache
OccupationActor
Years active1958–present
Known forCoronation Street (1960–present)
Ken and Deirdre's Bedtime Stories (2011)
Spouses
  • (m. 1961; div. 1974)
  • Sara McEwan Mottram
    (m. 1978; died 2009)
PartnerEmma Jesson (2010–2012)
Children5
(including Linus and James)
RelativesRosalind Bennett (daughter-in-law)

William Patrick Roache (born 25 April 1932) is an English actor. He is best known for playing Ken Barlow in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street and is the longest-serving cast member in the series as well as a world record holder, having appeared in the show continuously since its first broadcast on 9 December 1960. He is listed in the Guinness World Records as the longest-serving television star in a continuous role.