William Roache interview

Coronation Street's William Roache has played Ken Barlow on the soap for more than 47 years. He's just written his second book, Soul On The Street, which talks about his career and his spiritual beliefs. We put your questions to him...

Why did you decide to write the book?
Well, it isn’t just an ordinary autobiography - it’s an outward and inward journey looking at our spiritual side and I’ve written it for two reasons – I’ve got to an age where I want to crystalise things as I see it and secondly whenever I do chatshows and I mention this subject I get lots of letters.

It’s a very personal book. Were you wary about talking about your beliefs?
It is very personal but I felt I wanted to do this, I wanted to help because there’s a lot of very good people who maybe can’t accept what their church is saying or want to find out more and don’t know where to look. It’s a personal journey - I can’t give proof and I’m not preaching. Finding proof is an internal process. You have to work at it – it won’t just happen and that’s what the book’s about.

Do you think people who only know you as Ken Barlow in Coronation Street will be surprised?
I think they may be. I called it Soul On The Street in case people would buy it thinking it’s just Coronation Street gossip. You only have to read the foreword and you’ll know what it’s about. There is a lot of personal stuff in it too – how I got into Coronation Street, the theatre and maybe if someone bought it for that they might find something on the other side that strikes a chord and is interesting for them.

Do you have much input into your character and storylines in Coronation Street?
Not really. The writers are brilliant and they understand our characters. I want to believe I am Ken and all I would ask is that I can believe he would do whatever it is the writers have written for him to do. They’re so good that I’ve probably had three occasions in 47 years when I’ve had a problem and then you go out and talk about it.

Who is your favourite-ever Coronation Street actor/character?
Of the current cast, I have to say Anne Kirkbride as we do so much together. Looking back it would be old Uncle Albert Tatlock, played by Jack Howarth. He was a grumpy old First World War veteran and he was lovely. He would say ‘load of rubbish’ at the end of the scene and totally dismiss it.

Would you be able to put up with a mother-in-law like Blanche in real life? Or would you throw her out on the cobbles?
If I was actually Ken Barlow with a mother-in-law like Blanche, daughter in prison for murder, son a bigamist and illegimate son knocking at the door I think I’d have had my nervous breakdown years ago. They’re a wonderful dysfunctional family though – I love it and long may it continue.

What was it like when Sir Ian McKellen guest-starred a few years ago?
He was a lovely character and it was great to have him around. It’s always good to have actors like that. When Ian McKellen was starting out he had said that one day he wanted to be in Coronation Street. Laurence Olivier also said he would have loved a part in it.

Where are Ken and Deirdre? We haven’t seen them for weeks.
A good question! I had a holiday in June and then Anne Kirkbride (who plays Deirdre) had a holiday and then I took time off to do my book launch so that’s why we haven’t been on much. You probably won’t be seen on screen much until Christmas and then no doubt the Barlows will have a horrible Christmas. They usually do – I think our job is to make everyone else’s Christmas look good!

Which other character would you like to have played in Coronation Street and why?
That’s a strange question that I’m often asked it. I really wouldn’t want to be anyone else. Ken is a nice guy, he’s a peacemaker, he’s a very good friend. People think he’s a bit tedious because he’s a schoolteacher and he behaves himself but he’s actually trying to keep the peace in his dysfunctional family. If I’d played an aggressive violent person for 47 years I think it would have harmed me in some way. But playing Ken is great.

What was it like working with your wife when she appeared in the series earlier this year?
She was the judge who sent Tracy down for life and the director told her that when Tracy looked at her she was to give her a look which said ‘don’t mess with me’ and I jokingly said that’s the look I get on a daily basis! She’s very good, she’s also my manager and she’s a very good actress and hopefully she’ll be doing a lot more work.

What have been your favourite storylines?
I’d say the death of my first wife Val and also the big Ken, Mike, Deirdre love triangle where I got to shout and scream and it was the first time I had to lose my temper. I can’t remember the last time I lost my temper but Ken does so I can let rip and it can be quite enjoyable.

How similar is your homelife to Coronation Street? Do you go our for drinks with your neighbours in the local pub?
Not really. I have friends but they’re spread around and I’ll meet up with them for dinner. I’ll also go to charity balls but I don’t go to pubs – I’ve never been a pub person. When I get away from the studio I just want peace and quiet. I like my homelife.

What’s the future for you and the character?
I like Ken and I love Coronation Street – I’m very proud of it. Retiring isn’t an option and while they want me I’ll be there.

Are you planning to write any more books?
I think so. I’m launching this, my second book, at the moment. It’s hard work writing – you have to be disciplined and you have to have something to say. I’ve been thinking of an idea for another book so let’s see.

Soul On The Street by William Roache is published by Hayhouse and out now