William Roache MBE has played national treasure Ken Barlow for a world record breaking 51 years in the world renowned soap opera, Coronation Street.

William’s father was a doctor and as most sons tend to do, he decided to follow in his footsteps and studied medicine. However he was called up for National Service and decided to stay in the Royal Welch Fusiliers for another five years and rose to the rank of Captain serving in countries such as Jamaica, Bermuda, Germany and Oman.

After leaving the army his thoughts turned to his career, he had always loved acting and won the best actor award during school. He played roles in Skyport, Knight Errant and Marking Time, during the filming of this, he was approached by the BAFTA award winning Coronation Street.

William has spent the last 50 years giving pleasure to the public through his work in show business, William’s character, Ken Barlow has been an ever present part of this remarkably successful series that continues to rapidly grow to this day.

He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Soap Awards in 2000 for playing his role as Ken for 40 years, appearing in the very first episode on 9 December 1960. He is also featured in the Guinness Book of Records for this.

In the 2001 Queen’s New Years Honors List he was awarded the M.B.E. (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to television drama.

In 2008, he wrote his book Soul on the Street which offers an inspirational insight into William's deep spiritual understanding and the times and events that have shaped his life. Then in 2010 he released 50 Years on the Street: My Life with Ken Barlow which is a detailed story of William Roaches strong association with his character and the popular ITV show Coronation Street.

He is a great supporter of charities including the Princes Trust, St David’s Hospice, Childhood Eye Cancer, Henshaws Society for the Blind and is a Patron of Crimestoppers.

William has faced many trials and tribulations in his personal life, facing financial difficulties leading to bankruptcy. Due to his own troubles he has turned his interests towards helping others in the same situation.

With this he advocates against bad loan companies who inappropriately prey on people who struggle financially and so feels strongly about making the public aware of these companies to stop this from happening and getting worse in the future. William is thus involved in WACCA (Worried About Consumer Credit Abuse) which provides support to consumers who are not aware of their legal rights with regard to consumer debt and those who cannot afford to seek advice of a solicitor. This unique service protects consumers against debt collectors which can often involve harassment and aims to change the law so that theses abuses cannot continue.

William sadly lost his wife, Sara, unexpectedly on February 7th 2009, since this date the Sara Roache Foundation has been set up which continues to support the various charities which Sara was heavily involved in. William is thrilled to announce that WACCA are official supporters.