William Roache has been part of Coronation Street for more than 60 years, but his latest comments show that working together for decades does not always mean being close friends. The Ken Barlow actor has now spoken about his real bond with his co-stars, and one comment about another Corrie legend may surprise many fans.
Bill Says He And Barbara Knox Have Never Been Close Friends
Bill’s answer about Barbara Knox was quite surprising. Both actors have been part of Coronation Street for many years, but Bill said their working relationship never became a close friendship outside the show.
‘Barbara and I, we’ve been polite, but we’ve never been friendly. I’ve never been socially out with Barbara ever,’ Bill admitted. Still, Bill made it clear that there is no bad feeling between them. He said they respect each other and praised Barbara as a person.
He continued: ‘We respect each other, but we don’t meet up socially… Barbara’s great. She’s a wonderful person. They’re all nice. There wasn’t a single discord in the cast in any way.’ Bill and Scott also shared many other stories from their time on the cobbles and beyond. Scott played builder, mechanic and stripper Sam Kingston from 2000 to 2002.
William Roache Opens Up About His Life Away From The Set
William Roache has played Ken Barlow since Coronation Street first aired on ITV in 1960. Now 94, he remains one of the most familiar faces on the soap, and he has worked with many cast members over the years. During a recent appearance on the Session 7 – Interesting Lives podcast, Bill spoke honestly about his social life away from work.
Many fans may think the Corrie cast often meet outside the set, but Bill said that is not really true for him. ‘I don’t meet up with anyone,’ he revealed. ‘I had one or two people like Chris Gascoyne and one or two others, recently, that I was closer to. I’m probably closer to people in makeup and wardrobe.’
He explained that the cast do meet at Christmas parties and other work events. However, he said that is usually where it ends. Then host Scott Wright, who also once starred in Coronation Street, asked him about Barbara Knox, who has played Rita Tanner since 1964.
Bill’s Ken Barlow has also been part of some of Corrie’s biggest stories, including the famous love triangle with Ken, Deirdre Barlow and Mike Baldwin. Bill described that storyline as the one that had ‘the biggest impact’ for them and one of his favourite Coronation Street memories. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street spoilers and behind-the-scenes updates.