Corrie's Bill Roache - World's Longest serving actor set Guinness World Record 2011

Coronation Street's Bill Roache will be honoured at a Guinness World Records ceremony next month.

He will then officially become the longest-serving actor in a TV soap.

Bill has played Ken Barlow for almost 50 years since the Street's first episode. He will set the record November 22.


The 78-year old will travel to New York, where he will meet Don Hastings from US soap As The World Turns, the man who will be giving up the title.

Viewers first saw Bill appear with screen dad Frank Barlow, played by Frank Pemberton, in the first episode on December 9, 1960.

Only Don, who portrayed Bob Hughes in his CBS show since October 1960 without a break, had played the same character longer, but since As The World Turns ended in September after 13,858 episodes, the record will pass to Bill.

The proud Corrie star said: "Guinness World Records have been in touch and want to fly me over to New York for some sort of ceremony with Don Hastings."

He added he has no plans to retire. "I always say that, while I can still do it and while they still want me, retiring isn't an option.

"I've met the Queen on numerous occasions, I've been to Buckingham Palace, Downing Street and Chequers. I've played golf with top professionals and I've written two books. Those things have enriched my life."