In an unprecedented move, ITV bosses have guaranteed a job for life to William Roache, the actor behind Coronation Street's legendary Ken Barlow. The 93-year-old, who has played the character since the soap's very first episode in 1960, need never fear being written out of the show.
A Permanent Fixture on the Cobbles
Corrie producer Iain MacLeod has confirmed that Roache, who holds a Guinness World Record as the longest-serving soap star, can remain on the show for as long as he wishes. MacLeod stated it would be a 'brave producer team' that decided to axe the veteran actor, assuring fans that Ken Barlow is safe from being killed off or given a dramatic exit.
Praising Roache's enduring professionalism, MacLeod told The Sun: 'Whatever you give him, even now, he's on point. He's on his dialogue, he's the most professional member of the cast.' He added his hope that Roache continues to break records in his field.
Unravelling a Crossover Mystery
Meanwhile, the fallout from the dramatic 'Corriedale' crossover special continues to unfold. The episode, which featured a catastrophic pile-up involving characters from both Coronation Street and Emmerdale, delivered a major shock with the return of Andrew Scarborough as Graham Foster.
Graham, believed killed off in Emmerdale six years ago, was seen with newcomer Jodie (played by Olivia Frances Brown) tied up in the back of his van. She managed to escape and flee into the woods before being found by police officer Kit Green.
Series producer Kate Brooks has now confirmed that the mystery behind this terrifying encounter will be fully explained. 'We will reference what happened, we'll find out exactly why she was in that van, we'll find out what her link to Graham is,' Brooks told The Mirror.
The storyline, set to develop through spring and summer, will reveal Jodie's past and the reason Graham had abducted her. Fans have already discovered that Jodie is the sister of established character Shona Platt, with both women sharing a distinctive tree tattoo.
Ripples in the Dales
Graham Foster's surprise reappearance is also set to cause significant disruption in Emmerdale village. Producer Laura Shaw confirmed his return will have 'massive repercussions' for characters Kim Tate and Rhona Goskirk.
Graham will be forced to explain the events of six years ago when he was presumed dead, leaving his former protege, Joe, to grapple with whether he can ever forgive the man who let him believe he had died.
As one soap legend is secured for the foreseeable future, the dramatic return of another promises to ignite fresh turmoil on screen, ensuring gripping storylines for both iconic British serials.
