Coronation Street’s William Roache takes on new job amid bankruptcy

**The actor is going on tour (Picture: ITV)**

William Roache of Coronation Street has announced a new programme for fans in the wake of his second bankruptcy.

The actor, who has been Ken Barlow’s actor from the ITV soap opera’s first episode, was purportedly declared bankrupt in 1999, and he is now apparently facing bankruptcy for a second time.

Roache, 91, is reported to be the cast member with the highest salary, taking home almost £250,000 annually.

The Mirror was informed by an HMRC representative that filing for bankruptcy is only done as a last option.

A Corrie representative continued, saying, “We’re very sorry to hear of Bill’s financial situation.” Bill is still under contract with Coronation Street and is still a beloved cast member.

William Roache will be touring with his performance, “An Evening with William Roache: The Best of His Life and Times,” it was just revealed.

This summer’s two-hour concert, which costs £20, will take place in Scarborough.

**The actor has said that, when he is 100 years old, he wants to be on the serial opera (Picture: Getty)**

Admirers of the late actor are expected to discover “heartfelt and fascinating stories” about his “long and successful life.” Bill is also expected to share his experiences growing up during World War II and living on Coronation Street, a British soap opera tradition.

The soap opera veteran reportedly extended his contract for an additional year, according to The Sun, after he had previously declared his desire to continue appearing on the show until he was 100 years old.

**Since the first Coronation Street episode, William has portrayed Ken (Picture: ITV).**

The actor, who received an OBE from King Charles in 2022 for his contributions to theatre and charity, was said to have secured a £250,000 contract to join Corrie.

Roache is aiming for another record, even though he already has the one for the longest-serving TV personality in a continuous capacity.

In a pre-recorded piece shot for Lorraine last April, the celebrity made the decision to skydive for the first time in his life.

Roache began the scene by explaining to the camera why he was taking on the assignment.

In jest, he said he would be jumping out of an airliner “hopefully with a parachute on” and an instructor beside him, but he was honestly unsure of how he felt.

He went on, “But one dominant one is excitement,” as he watched someone practise laying on the ground and positioning their body for a jump.

He went on to remark that he has heard other skydivers refer to their experience as “the best thing they’ve ever done in their life.”