Has Ken Barlow left Coronation Street?

CORONATION Street fans are in shock after Ken Barlow announced he is quitting the cobbles after eighty years. But has he left for good? We take a look at the story so far. Has Ken Barlow left Coronation Street? On February 7, 2020 the legendary character – who is played by actor Bill Roache in […]

CORONATION Street fans are in shock after Ken Barlow announced he is quitting the cobbles after eighty years.

But has he left for good? We take a look at the story so far.

Has Ken Barlow left Coronation Street?

On February 7, 2020 the legendary character – who is played by actor Bill Roache in the ITV soap – decided to move to a luxury retirement village after eight decades living on the street.

In an episode packed full of reminiscence and strolls down memory lane, Ken struggled with the decision of whether to move with Claudia.

But after a frank discussion about regrets with old pals Rita and Audrey, Ken came to his decision and decided to say goodbye to the cobbles.

However ITV bosses were keen to stress that while Ken is leaving the cobbles, actor Bill will remain on the soap.

When did Ken Barlow first appear on Coronation Street?

Ken is the only remaining character from the first episode of the soap that will celebrate its 60th anniversary in December.

Actor Bill was just 28 years old when the show kicked off – he is now 87.

During his time on the cobbles he has been married twice, had countless lovers and nearly died numerous times.

Back in the 80s and 90s he was known for his famous feud with factory boss Mike Baldwin.

What has Bill Roache said about Ken Barlow leaving the Corrie cobbles?

Actor Bill explained that Ken had to take his final chance of adventure: “This is a big decision for Ken but in some ways he thinks it is now or never.

“He has lived on the same street his whole life and in the same house for most of it. He feels that he had a chance to move away with Martha on the barge but he let her go. Part of him regretted that. He doesn’t want to make the same mistake again and Claudia is very persuasive.

“Filming that final scene of the episode was very poignant, just Ken and Eccles and the cobbles. He breaks the news to the family next week and they are surprised but very soon Peter and Tracy start squabbling over who will be given first refusal on the house.

“We have already started filming at the retirement complex and I am really enjoying it, it always feels different when we film away from the street.

“It seems fitting that Ken makes this decision in the 10,000th episode but it will be strange not filming in number 1 after all this time.”