William Roache recently shared that he had a two-year feud with a fellow cast member on the long-running show, Coronation Street. The 93-year-old actor, known for his role as Ken Barlow since the show’s inception in 1960, opened up about the rift during a special event called An Audience With Coronation Street at The Lowry in Salford.
Roache, along with co-stars Jane Danson, Jack P. Shepherd, Patti Clare, and Jimmi Harkishin, reminisced about their time working together on the iconic soap opera. The event included a pub quiz testing their knowledge of Weatherfield’s history over the past 65 years.
The evening, hosted by This Morning star Sharon Marshall, saw the audience warmly welcome Roache to the stage. During a conversation with Marshall, Roache recalled a disagreement with Pat Phoenix, who played Elsie Tanner, another original cast member.
The feud stemmed from a scene where Phoenix’s character insulted Roache’s on-screen wife, leading to a disagreement on how the scene should unfold. The tension between the two actors resulted in a two-year silent treatment off-camera until Phoenix extended an olive branch by inviting Roache to her birthday party.
Pat Phoenix, who played Elsie Tanner on Coronation Street from 1960 to 1973 and then returned in 1976 before departing in 1984, was known for her love of the celebrity aspect of her job. Roache reflected on Phoenix’s impact on the show and their eventual reconciliation.
In a separate recognition, Roache received the Lifetime Achievement Award at The Entertainment Agents’ Awards earlier this year. Expressing his gratitude for the honor, Roache shared his desire to continue working on Coronation Street until he turns 100, cherishing the memories and relationships he has built over the years.
The drama and camaraderie behind the scenes of Coronation Street continue to captivate fans, with the legacy of iconic characters like Elsie Tanner living on in the hearts of viewers.