CORRIE legend Bill Roache is in talks to sign a record-breaking new contract for his 65th year on the soap.
Bill, 92, who has played Ken Barlow since the first episode in 1960, holds the world record as the longest-serving TV actor in a continuous role.
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Corrie’s new top boss Kate Brooks is currently making plans for the soap’s big 65th anniversary next year after a turbulent start at the helm and is looking at the huge cast list amidst a shake-up.
However one person who will always be at the heart of any Coronation Street milestones is Bill’s much-loved and legendary character Ken.
Last month plans for actress Helen Worth’s big exit were thrown in chaos after Sean Wilson stepped down for “personal reasons.”
Her iconic character Gail was due to ride off into the sunset with ex-husband Martin Platt, but bosses were forced to re-write her exit.
They brought in Cold Feet star John Thompson even though his character had little to do with Gail during his time on the street as children’s entertainer Jesse Chadwick 14 years ago.
The soap was also snubbed by the BAFTA panel after a year of grim and miserable storylines.
A source said: “It’s not been the best start for Kate.
“She already knew she had a big job on her hands to try and turn things around and then everything happened with Sean Wilson.
“Corrie was also snubbed by BAFTA in the continuing drama category after it failed to make the shortlist, which is a pretty big deal for everyone working on the show.
“Things have settled down a little and Kate is making exciting plans for the future, which just happens to be the soap’s big 65th anniversary next December.
“And one person who had to be a big part of it all is Ken Barlow.
“Discussions have already started for his new contract, which he is of course expected to sign.”
ITV were contacted for comment.
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