Bill Roache is the only remaining original cast member of Coronation Street. The actor joined the soap as Ken Barlow in 1960.
At the Entertainment Agents’ Awards on Tuesday, March 25, Bill was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Claire Sweeney, his Corrie co-star. After receiving the award the ITV legend told the Champions Speakers Agency: “It’s a huge honour to receive this award and I am very grateful for it.
“I’ve enjoyed a wonderful career, and to have spent so many years working on such a special programme like Coronation Street has been magical.”
He added: “I’ve been fortunate to work with some absolutely incredible actors over that period and made a lifetime of memories.” Offering fans an insight into how long they can expect Ken to be a resident on Coronation Street, the 92-year-old added “I’m looking forward to being in the programme for many more years to come.”
Claire, who plays Cassie Plummer on the Street has been involved in some of the soap’s biggest storylines alongside Bill over the past year. The Walton-born actress has been on our TV screens for decades. She first made a name for herself playing the role of Lindsay Corkhill on the Channel 4 show Brookside.
In the last year, Claire’s onscreen counterpart left viewers shocked as she started poisoning Ken. The pair struck up an unlikely friendship when Ken needed caring for after he fell and injured himself.
However, when Ken reviewed his finances he decided he needed to let Cassie go. Determined not to lose her only source of income, Cassie started drugging Ken, in a bid to keep him ill.
Cassie also started to fleece Ken for every penny, stealing his credit card to fork out hundreds of luxury purchases. Earlier this month, it all came crumbling down for Cassie. When the truth came out the Street turned its back on the criminal, which left her homeless.
At the awards ceremony, Claire offered kind words to her co-star. She said: “Not only is he a legend, he is part of the very fabric of British television.
“Watching him and working with him – he never drops a line. He’s so smart and aware and just seems to be ahead of everyone.”
Coronation Street has produced many award winners over the years. In February, Peter Ash was presented an award for winning Best Soap Performance at the 2025 TV Choice Awards for his portrayal of Paul Foreman.
His character navigated the challenges of Motor Neurone disease. As Paul’s health declined, he tied the knot with partner Billy Mayhew, played by Daniel Brocklebank, and spent his final days confined to his flat.
Paul passed away in 2024, a year and five months post-diagnosis. Peter has continued to do charity work around the disease since leaving the soap.