Coronation Street legend had long rivalry with ‘unprofessional’ co-star
William Roache tells how he fell out – and reconciled – with Corrie co-star
- William Roache, who portrays Ken Barlow in Coronation Street, has disclosed he had a two-year rivalry with his former co-star Pat Phoenix, who played Elsie Tanner.
- The disagreement stemmed from a scene where Phoenix challenged the script and suggested her character throw an ashtray at Roache’s, which Roache thought unprofessional.
- Despite sharing numerous scenes, they did not speak off-camera after the incident for two years until Phoenix extended an unexpected invitation to her birthday party, which led to their reconciliation.
- Roache is celebrating his 65th year on Coronation Street, making him the longest-serving actor in soap history, and has expressed a desire to continue in the role until he is 100.
- He was awarded an OBE in 2022 for his contributions to drama and charity.