Few actors can claim to have spent a lifetime in a single role, but William Roache has been playing Ken Barlow on Coronation Street since the show’s very first episode in 1960. At 93, he is not only the longest-serving soap actor in the world but also a living archive of British television itself. This article separates confirmed facts from persistent speculation about his career, salary, family, and net worth.

Age (2025): 93 · Years on Coronation Street: 65 · Character: Ken Barlow · First Episode Date: 9 December 1960

Quick snapshot

1Current status
  • Still acting on Coronation Street
  • Plays Ken Barlow
2Biography highlights
3Career record
  • Started Coronation Street in 1960
  • Longest-serving soap actor
4Financial profile
  • Estimated net worth: ~$5 million (not confirmed)
Key facts about William Roache
Label Value
Age 93 (as of 2025)
Known For Ken Barlow on Coronation Street
First Episode Date 9 December 1960
Years on Coronation Street 65
  • William Roache continues to play Ken Barlow on Coronation Street as of 2025 (BBC News).
  • He is the only cast member who has appeared continuously since the show’s first broadcast on 9 December 1960 (BBC News).
Bottom line: Roache is still acting and has no plans to retire.

Coronation Street role in 2025

He has been part of all major storylines spanning 65 years (Wikipedia). It gives the show a continuity that few other productions can match.

How much does William Roache get paid for Coronation Street?

  • Exact salary is not publicly confirmed (Heart).
  • Long-serving cast members typically earn more than newer actors (Heart).

Who is the richest actor on Coronation Street?

Why this matters

For aspiring actors, the data shows that steady, long-term employment in a successful series can generate substantial wealth.

  • Other veteran cast members are also believed to be millionaires, though their exact net worths are not public (Metro).

What is William Roache’s net worth?

  • Primary income is from his Coronation Street salary (Heart).
  • 1960 – First episode of Coronation Street airs.
  • 1960–2025 – Continuous role, making him the longest-serving soap actor (BBC News).
The upshot: Roache’s timeline is a rare record of actor longevity. For fans, the key takeaway is that he has outlasted every other cast member, every producer who hired him, and every trend in British television.
  • He still plays Ken Barlow on Coronation Street as of 2025.
  • He holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest-serving soap opera actor.
  • His exact salary is not public; reports suggest a high six-figure annual amount.
  • His net worth figure is estimated at around $5 million.

Roache’s own words, drawn from two different broadcasts, underline the depth of his commitment to the show and his family.

For viewers, the decision is easy: settle in for a long-running saga with one of television’s most enduring stars.

Is William Roache still acting?

Yes, he continues to play Ken Barlow on Coronation Street as of 2025.