William Roache Reflects on Two-Year Rivalry with Pat Phoenix

William Roache, the longest-serving actor on Coronation Street, has disclosed details of a two-year rivalry with his co-star Pat Phoenix. Roache, who has portrayed the character of Ken Barlow since the show’s debut in 1960, revealed the tensions that arose during their time together on the popular soap.

During a panel discussion featuring notable cast members, including Jane Danson and Jack P Shepherd, Roache recounted how disagreements began over a specific scene. In the scene, Barlow chastises Tanner for making an unkind remark about his wife, Valerie Tatlock, played by Anne Reid. Roache noted that Phoenix challenged the direction of the scene, questioning how her character would react to being reprimanded by a younger actor.

Roache described Phoenix’s reaction as unprofessional, stating, “She said she wanted to do something in the end, and the director said ‘Yes, Pat, anything you want.’” The tensions escalated when Phoenix suggested throwing an ashtray at him during the scene, to which Roache firmly declined, asserting that her request was inappropriate. This disagreement led to a significant period of silence between the two actors, who continued to share many scenes without speaking to one another.

Their stalemate lasted until Phoenix unexpectedly invited Roache to her birthday party two years later. “Two years later, we’re standing together waiting to film a scene, still not talking,” Roache recalled. “She said, ‘Oh I suppose you’d better come to my party then,’ and we became good friends after that.”

As Coronation Street prepares to celebrate its 65th anniversary on December 9, 2024, Roache marks an incredible milestone of his own, having remained on the show continuously for the entirety of its run. He expressed his desire to continue portraying Barlow until he reaches the age of 100, a testament to his commitment to the role and the series.

In terms of financial standing, Roache reportedly earns more than £250,000 annually from his role, positioning him among the highest-paid actors on the show. However, in 2024, Roache faced financial difficulties, filing for bankruptcy following a petition from HMRC. A spokesperson for Coronation Street expressed sympathy for Roache’s situation, affirming that he remains a beloved member of the cast with an ongoing contract.

In recognition of his contributions to drama and charity, Roache was awarded an OBE from King Charles III in 2022. At the time, he stated, “I’m delighted to be receiving an OBE as it’s such a wonderful honour. I can’t tell you how proud I am. Coronation Street has given me so much in life and I absolutely love the programme and everyone who works on the show.”

As both Roache and Coronation Street celebrate these significant milestones, fans can reflect on the enduring legacy of the show and the remarkable journey of its iconic characters.