This Morning viewers couldn't help but mention the same thing as Coronation Street legend William Roache appeared on the programme. The ITV daytime show returned to screens on Monday (September 12) in a special edition paying tribute to the Queen.
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield fronted the two-hour show where they were joined by a number of guests as they discussed the Queen's death and memories of Britain's longest-reigning monarch.
Bill, who celebrated his 90th birthday earlier this year, appeared live in the ITV studio to share his own memories of Queen Elizabeth II who he was fortunate to meet on several occasions. The Ken Barlow actor was among one the veteran cast members who greeted the head of state when she visited in 1982 to open the show’s new set and more recently in 2021 as the soap celebrated its 60th year on screens.
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The 2021 visit came after the Covid lockdown period and the Queen's special trip to the cobbles reflected how important soaps had been during this time. Bill shared how he had used the time to compliment the Queen on also being "wonderful" during the difficult coronavirus period as well. He said: "What was so lovely about her was this readiness to smile, and you felt she wanted to laugh and had a beautiful laugh."
The actor noted that aside from her visits to the set, he had personally met her on a number of other occasions and that he was able to have had “quite a long chat” with her when she visited Preston, Lancashire. He said that during their conversation she had explained that she was about to go to Balmoral and was looking forward to the trip, a sentiment that has been shared numerous times about her Scottish Highlands home where she spent her final weeks.
Reflecting on the first time he met the late monarch, Bill, who celebrated his 90th birthday earlier this year, said: "I was 21 when I first met her, I was a young officer, and we were part of the reception committee. When she came on there was warmth and friendliness and a twinkle in the eye.
"As a Queen she was impeccable." On how he feels about her death, Bill went on to say: "I feel a great sense of personal loss. It’s like a member of your family has gone." But he had praise for the new King Charles III as he added: "But King Charles is equally as warm, I think he’ll be a wonderful King, he’ll spread it a little further with his own interests as a King but he’ll continue the Queen’s interest and warmth."
As Bill spoke to the hosts about his special meetings with Her Majesty, This Morning viewers couldn't help but comment on his youthful appearance. @AlotaWhatUfancy tweeted: "I want whatever Bill Roache is on. The guy never ages! #ThisMorning." @nezumi80 replied: "Me too! How is he 90 years old ... amazing."
@DavidMackayy commented: "Bill Roache must have access to the fountain of youth because he never seems to age #thismorning." @13Atomic echoed: "Crikey #BillRoache on #ThisMorning is 90 - no way does he look anything like that age." While @LindaAllenLA added: "Ken’s hair is terrific #ThisMorning."
And it's not the first time Bill's age has got viewers talking. Back in January the ITV soap stalwart appeared via video link on the programme where he chatted to Holly and Phillip for the first time since it was announced he'd be made an OBE in the New Year's honours list. The actor, who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-serving TV soap star in the world, has been honoured for his services to drama and charity.
But talk soon turned to his then-impending birthday. "You look, what, 60?" Phil exclaimed. "I literally have no clue how you're doing it. I think everybody would aspire to be not only looking fantastic but you're also pretty damn cool because you said as you got to your 70s, 80s, you're going to get younger," Phil went on.
"I made a decision when I was 70 that I was going to get younger every year," Bill said. "Ageing is a belief system. If you believe you deteriorate, you will."
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