Secrets from the set of Coronation Street have been revealed by soap legend Bill Roache, including how Queen Camilla confessed to being a huge fan of the show during a set visit.
Soap legend Bill Roache was on stage at the weekend – to spill royal secrets and stories about Coronation Street. The veteran actor, 93, who has played Ken Barlow on the soap for more than 60 years, was part of a Corrie live show.
Bill is known for his portrayal of Ken Barlow in the ITV soap after making his debut in its first episode in 1960. And he insists his recent work has the royal seal of approval. Asked if Queen Camilla is a fan of Corrie, he said: “The Royals are fans of the show.
When Camilla asked if she had ever watched the show, she responded, “I can tell you that on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7.30pm, the phone goes off the hook.” That is truly lovely.
READ MORE: Emmerdale first look as John targets Robert and Victoria in revenge planREAD MORE: ‘TV bosses need to make more shows with older people in them’ says Loose Women legend
If you weren’t careful, Prince Phillip might be a little touchy. When the Queen and Prince Phillip were honored, I was invited privately and asked if I would give a four-minute speech.
Camilla visited the set in 2010 and even pulled a pint in the Rovers Return. Bill holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-serving TV soap star in the world and was made an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list in December 2021 for his services to drama and charity.
He noted that Elsie Tanner, a famous Corrie actress who portrayed her from 1960 until 1984, wasn’t always easy because of his two-year feud with Pat Phoenix, who was also a famous Corrie actress. In retrospect, Bill recalled that “Pat and Violet Carson (played Ena Sharples) dominated the Street.” She once abused my wife, Val, in a scene where she said something insulting.
When I told her off in this scene, she said to the director, “I don’t think she would take this from this young man (Ken),” and we were off. She threatened to throw this ashtray at you because she wanted to do something at the end and said, “Can you pause with all these things you say at the end?” I retorted, “No, I won’t.”
We didn’t talk for two years, and I said, “As far as I’m concerned, it’s unprofessional.” When she was throwing a party two years later, we were waiting for a scene and she said, “Oh well. You’d better get to my party, I suppose, than you should.” I declared, “I would love to Pat,” and we became very close friends.
Cliff Richard was once offended after Corrie actress Margot Bryant had a soap criticized his weight, according to Bill. According to him, “Cliff loves the Street so much that he once spent time with the Rovers as an extra.” I occasionally played tennis with him.
In a scene where Margot Bryant, who played Minnie Caldwell between 1960 and 1976, described him as a “chubby little lad.” He was forced to follow a diet, which he has continued to do ever since. Before, Margaret Bryant used to express her thoughts toward everyone. You kept her company.
Bill and the audience were shown video messages, including one from Joanna Lumley, who Bill proposed to on Corrie when she played Elaine Perkins on ITV in 1972 at the Lowry Theatre in Salford.
Bill, Joanna said it. Why did I ever decline you? You contacted me about being Ken, and I declined. What was my thought? You made me feel so good, Bill said, “Bill responded:” Joanna was a mystery at the time, but you can tell she was confident. She was incredibly lovely.
On Wednesday, Glasgow’s live performance of An Audience With Coronation Street will return.
Source: Mirror
Leave a Reply