Coronation Street legend William Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since 1960, is not the only actor in his family. His real-life sons, Linus and James Roache, also appeared on the ITV soap, leaving fans stunned.
William Roache's Sons on Coronation Street
William Roache, now 94, has two children with his first wife, Anna Cropper. Their eldest son, Linus Roache, born in 1964, played Peter Barlow in 1975 at age nine, becoming the fourth actor to portray the character. Linus returned in 2010 as Lawrence Cunningham, Ken's long-lost son. His younger brother James then played James Cunningham, Lawrence's on-screen son.
William once said: "When I'm in New York, no one bothers about me; it's all about Linus. James is just getting started, but will no doubt be just the same."
Fan Reactions
On a Corrie Facebook fan page, one person asked: "Did anyone else know that Ken's real sons were in the soap?" Another replied: "I do now! No way." A third fan commented with a mind-blown emoji, while a fourth declared: "That is amazing."
Linus Roache's Career
Linus Roache has starred in major Hollywood films such as Batman Begins and The Wings of the Dove. He played David Wellington in Homeland (2017–2020), King Ecbert in Vikings (2014–2017), and Executive ADA Michael Cutter in Law & Order (2008–2010). More recently, he appeared as John Tunstall in Billy the Kid, Reginald Pye in Doctor Who, and Colonel Figgis in The Capture.
James Roache's Role
James Roache played his own father, William, in the 2010 drama The Road to Coronation Street. He also appeared in Cold Blood and Four Seasons before leaving acting after his Corrie role in 2011.
Family Tragedy
William's daughter Vanya died at age 50 on March 4, 2018, due to liver failure. He was granted compassionate leave from the soap. He shared: "The pain of losing a child is unbearable. To not be able to say goodbye to Vanya was awful, but I take some comfort in knowing she is in a better place and at peace."
