Coronation Street's Bill Roache revealed he almost quit the soap to focus on other acting ventures.
One of Corrie's longest-running characters, Bill has taken on the persona of Ken Barlow for over six decades. First appearing in 1960, his character has been at the forefront of numerous flings, fights and murder trials as he's taken on every storyline under the sun.
Despite his lengthy career on the cobbles, Bill admitted he had no plans of retiring Ken anytime soon. He said: "I like being Ken Barlow, I like being a part of the Coronation Street family and success story so I have no plans to call it a day."
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Though his feelings for the soap now are set in stone, the 90-year-old admitted he thought about leaving the show years ago over personal concerns. Bill told the Sunday People : “When I started out I wanted to be in films, particularly I wanted to be in Westerns.
"There was a time in the middle of my career, when I was in my 40s, I thought if ever I’m going to get out and do something else, now is the time. But I only thought about it. I never actually did it. I realised I’m really proud of Coronation Street, lucky to be in it."
Bill continued to look to the future as he referenced both the upcoming anniversary event and possible storylines relating to his character. He said: "I am looking forward to the party. We did a special live episode when the Street was 50 so I am sure there will be something extra special this time around."
Bill added he is hoping to get in on some of the royal action, noting he hopes to receive a special message from the queen herself. He said: "I want to be there, and only 10 years later Coronation Street will be 70 so all being well, Ken will be there for that too. And who knows, another 10 years after that there could be a special storyline when Ken gets his 100-year telegram from the Queen!"
