Coronation Street airs an emotional change for Ken Barlow tonight – 65 years after his debut
Coronation Street spoilers follow.
Coronation Street has aired an emotional change for Ken Barlow tonight (8 December), 65 years after Bill Roache made his debut on the soap in December 1960. In tonight’s episode, Ken went to the Rovers where he told Roy Cropper about a story his late wife Deirdre had told him.
“Deirdre had a friend who sold her house and bought a cabin on a cruise ship,” he said. In response, Roy explained what this would entail: “I’ve read about this. They sell cabins like flats. Perpetual travel for the rest of one’s days. It has a certain romantic appeal.”
When Rita Tanner questioned whether Ken liked the idea, and could be tempted to sell Number 1, he was unable to think of any reason why he wouldn’t want to live in a cabin.
After Ken’s daughter, Tracy, arrived, Rita shocked her by saying that Ken had sold his house in order for the pub landlord to build an extension.
Later, Rita told Tracy that Ken had left after becoming upset with his daughter’s reaction when she thought he would be spending her inheritance on a cruise cabin.
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“As you get older, you cherish your relationships more and more,” Rita said. “Especially the ones that are close to us. Believe me, money means nothing compared to spending time with a loved one.”
Following Rita’s wise words, Ken and Tracy movingly agreed to start making the most of their time together, rather than bickering.
“Tracy, there was never any serious intent to sell to the Rovers,” Ken told her, “nor was there a serious offer. But what is so dismaying and so predictable is that your initial feelings weren’t for my well-being, but for your inheritance.”
Tracy responded: “That is a terrible thing to say. Oh, go on, I admit it. You sailing the Seven Seas with a load of geriatric widows didn’t immediately strike me as the best use of the money.”
Ken replied: “My money.” She went on: “Let me finish: but I realise the money’s not important. You’re here, and you’re relatively healthy…”
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Tracy then admitted that she had been taking her elderly father’s good health for granted, with Ken explaining that “time is a precious thing”. She agreed, saying: “You’re right. And from now on, we’re going to spend as much time together as we can.”
Ken told his daughter: “Nothing will please me more.”
Bill Roache, 93, is the only original Corrie cast member to still be on the cobbles. He made his debut appearance in the very first episode, which aired on 9 December, 1960.
Earlier this year, the actor assured viewers that he wouldn’t be leaving the soap anytime soon, upon being presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. “I’m looking forward to being in the programme for many more years to come,” he said.
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
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