Ken Barlow has survived everything Weatherfield has thrown at him; affairs, fallouts, family drama, and even his own terrifying whodunnit. But now, Coronation Street bosses have made a huge behind-the-scenes decision about his future, and it’s the kind of promise that could change how fans view the legend’s final years on the cobbles.
Coronation Street Bosses Make A Major Promise About Ken’s Future
Corrie bosses have now spoken out about what’s next for Ken Barlow, and they’ve made a surprising agreement that they believe will keep soap fans firmly on side. ITV producers have decided they will never kill off Ken, despite soaps often choosing dramatic exits for major characters to shake up storylines and boost ratings. Executive producer Iain MacLeod made it clear that removing Ken from the show would be a risky move, especially because of how strongly viewers feel about him.
He suggested fans would be furious if the show ever chose to axe the character, and admitted it would take a “brave producer” to even attempt it. MacLeod also praised William Roache’s commitment and professionalism, saying he remains sharp and reliable even now. He explained that Roache has been part of the show since episode one, and insisted the actor has a job for as long as he wants it, no questions asked.
Why Killing Off Ken Has Caused Chaos Behind The Scenes
While the idea of Ken leaving the show might sound like classic soap drama, it’s actually something that has caused real tension in the past. MacLeod revealed that previous production meetings used to spiral whenever someone jokingly suggested bumping Ken off, because it would instantly divide the room. He said writers would sometimes mischievously throw the idea into discussions, and it would quickly turn into a full-blown argument among the team.
Eventually, someone would shut it down and say they should just forget it and head to the pub instead. In fact, MacLeod joked that suggesting Ken’s death became a way to deliberately wreck meetings so everyone could escape early. Even then, it showed just how untouchable the character has always been, and how seriously the show treats the legacy Ken carries.
William Roache first appeared in Weatherfield when he was only 28 years old, and now, at 93, he remains one of the show’s most loved faces. He also holds the world record for being the longest-serving TV star in a continuous role, which only adds to why producers feel Ken is simply too iconic to lose in a typical soap-style exit. Over the years, Ken has been at the heart of countless major storylines. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street spoilers.