Coronation Street legend Bill Roache to get spin-off show

William ‘Bill’ Roache, who plays Ken Barlow in the ITV soap, is the longest-serving cast member in the series.

He is also a world record holder for the longest-serving television star in a continuous role, having appeared in the show continuously since its first broadcast on December 9, 1960.

Now, the iconic Corrie actor, who turned 94 this year, is set to have a celebratory spin-off show to recognise the achievement.

Coronation Street legend Bill Roache to get spin-off show

The one-off show has the working title Bill Roache: Life On The Street, The Sun reports.

It is expected to be shown later in 2026 or early 2027.

An insider told the publisher: “This is a very celebratory programme marking the huge achievement of being on Corrie for the past 66 years.

“The production company behind the documentary have been working closely with both soap bosses as well as Bill himself for the past six months.

“Very few cast members get an honour like this but then very few can boast the incredible career that Bill has had.

“He’s a Weatherfield icon.”

The documentary reportedly has Bill’s full backing after producers approached him with the idea, and he is said to feel honoured at the prospect.

It will be made by production company MultiStory, who are part of ITV Studios.

William Roache has been on Coronation Street since it first aired in 1960 (Image: Ben Whitley/PA Wire)

Coronation Street boss Iain MacLeod has already stated that Roache would never be written out of the soap as long as he’s alive and wants to continue working.

“William Roache has been in the show since episode one,” he told The Daily Star in January.

“William has a job for as long as he wants it, absolutely.

“It would be a brave producer [who takes] the decision to axe him.

“William [is] a miraculous individual.

“Whatever you give him, even now, he’s on point, he’s on his dialogue…

“He’s the most professional member of the cast.

“I don’t think anyone could dispute that.”

Which actors have been on Corrie the longest?

Bill Roache has appeared on the show for the longest time, but several other actors have also been on the soap for many years.

Barbara Knox appeared on the show in 1964, playing the character of Rita Littlewood for one episode.

She returned to the show as a full-time cast member in January 1972, playing Rita Tanner, and is the second-longest-serving cast member in Coronation Street.

Sue Nicholls, who plays Audrey Roberts, has been on Corrie for more than 40 years.

First on the show in 1979, her appearances were more sporadic in the years up until 1985, but since then, she has become a regular.

Michael Le Vell, who plays Kevin Webster, is another Corrie stalwart, having appeared on screen for more than 40 years, too.

His first stint on Corrie was from 1983 to 2013, before taking a break for a year and returning in 2014.

Sally Dynevor (Sally Metcalfe) has been on the ITV soap since 1986, with Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) having featured since 1989.

Helen Worth is another long-standing actor, having played Gail Platt for 50 years from 1974 to 2024 (with a guest appearance in 2025).

The now-retired actress was appointed an MBE in the 2022 Birthday Honours for services to drama.

Who is your favourite character on Coronation Street? Let us know in the comments.