Coronation Street legend renews contract for another year amid mass cast exodus from soap

CORONATION Street legend Bill Roache has signed for a 64th year.

The actor, 91, has played Ken Barlow since the first episode in 1960.

He holds the world record as the longest-serving TV actor in a continuous role.

Bill said: “My aim is to be 100 and still working on Coronation Street.

“People will say, ‘When are you retiring?’. But then what happens?

“Whilst I can do it, and whilst they will have me, I have no intention of retiring.

“I am so fortunate to work for an organisation that is happy to have me.

“For me, it’s really just the same as ever. Getting on with it, steady as you go. If you enjoy doing something, keep doing it.”

Viewers were left in tears this week when Ken’s son Peter (Chris Gascoyne) quit Weatherfield with a one-way ticket to Spain.

Ken’s grandson Simon (Alex Bain) is also leaving the soap.

But an insider said: “There are big plans for the Barlows over the next 12 months.”