Life in the fictional Manchester town of Weatherfield continues to fascinate audiences and countsQueen Elizabeth among its fans.
Thanks to online viewing, people all over the world have become fans.
According toThe Guardian, the landmark show’s original name was “Florizel Street.”
Later, legend has it, Agnes' enthusiastic reaction to the pilot helped predict the show’s success.
Besides being a mainstay of British popular culture, “Coronation Street” is a true record-setter.
In 2010, the series was honored by theGuinness Book of World Recordsfor “longest-running TV soap opera.”
Still going strong, the program continues to solidify this achievement.
In “Corrie’s” early days, Roache could never have imagined the show’s longevity.
After well over 4,000 episodes (viaIMDb), Roache has no plans to retire.
“That’s my aim, to be 100 and still working on ‘Coronation Street.'”
The actor/author is working hard to reach that goal.
“The big thing in life is enjoy it,” Roache advises.
“I always feel I’m still growing up,” the actor toldITV.
“I’m learning all the time and growing and developing myself.”
As played by William Roache, Ken has had three wives during the series.
Ken’s first wife, Valeria, played by Anne Reid, was eliminated via a shocking tragedy.
In true soap style, Valeria was electrocuted by a faulty hairdryer, perManchester Evening News.
After leaving the show, Reid explored comedic roles.
Kirkbride’s character played a pivotal role on “Corrie” for 43 years (viaGuardian).
Almost 13 million people watched the couple walk down the aisle a second time.
Another storyline gave Roache the opportunity to work with his adult children on the show.
His sons Linus and James played Ken’s son and grandson, perNational World.
