Ken Barlow

Ken Barlow is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Coronation Street, played by William Roache. Barlow was created by Tony Warren as one of Coronation Street's original characters, and December 2020 marked Ken's 60th anniversary onscreen. He debuted in the soap's first episode on 9 December 1960. Having appeared in the role continuously since that date, Roache is the longest-serving actor in a televised soap opera and was honoured at the 2010 Guinness World Records ceremony for the achievement, having surpassed actor Don Hastings from the American soap opera As the World Turns, who previously held this title. Roache stated in 2010 that he had no plans to leave the role and would remain in Coronation Street for as long as the producers would have him. In November 2020, Roache was again presented with the Guinness World Record for the longest serving TV soap star in the world for his six decades in Coronation Street.

Ken Barlow
Coronation Street character
Portrayed by	William Roache
Duration	1960–
First appearance	Episode 1 9 December 1960
Created by	Tony Warren
Introduced by	Stuart Latham
Book appearances	Coronation Street: The Complete Saga Coronation Street: The War Years
Spin-off appearances	Ken and Deirdre's Bedtime Stories (2011)
Classification	Present; regular
Profile
Occupation	Teacher Warehouse executive Taxi driver Community Development Officer Newspaper editor Shop assistant
Home	1 Coronation Street
Family Father Frank Barlow Mother Ida Barlow Brothers David Barlow Wife Valerie Tatlock (1962–1971) Janet Reid (1973–1977) Deirdre Langton (1981–1992, 2005–2015) Sons Lawrence Cunningham Peter Barlow Daniel Osbourne Daughters Susan Barlow Adoptive daughters Tracy Barlow Grandsons James Cunningham Adam Barlow Simon Barlow Bertie Osbourne Granddaughters Amy Barlow (adoptive) Grandmothers Nancy Leathers Nephews Darren Barlow

Roache has played the role of Ken since the shows first episode in 1960.