Coronation Street spoilers: Ken Barlow reels as his life is set to change for good

Ken Barlow (William Roache) has literally been in Coronation Street forever – from the first episode of the show back in 1960 to the present day.

Ken has seen more than his fair share of drama over the years from his early days as the Street’s resident angry intellectual, via his often colourful love life including his iconic partnership with Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride), to his present life as the head of the ever-changing and turbulent Barlow clan.

Soon, however, the character is going to have to face a massive change in his circumstances after a life-changing accident.

The accident comes about after Ken has attended Stu Carpenter (Bill Fellows)’s birthday drinks.

Bobby Crawford (Jack Carroll) takes the opportunity to apologise to the patriarch for getting his son Daniel (Rob Mallard) into trouble with the police with the false statement about the Lauren Bolton (Cait Fitton) case that led Daniel to becoming a suspect.

Bobby notices that Ken seems to be a little unsteady on his feet and soon Ken says he’s not feeling well and heads home. Bobby is worried about him and decides to check on him on the way home. When there’s no reply at number 1, he looks through the letter box – and sees Ken lying at the bottom of the stairs.

He’s rushed to hospital, and when Daniel and Steve (Simon Gregson) visit him, there’s bad news. Ken is told he’s going to need round-the-clock care while he recovers from his serious injuries.

Steve insists the family can cope and will all work together to make sure he has all the help he needs to keep him safe in his own home.

For someone who’s always been fiercely independent like Ken, this is a very unwelcome turn of events.

The thought of having to rely on others for his everyday needs is something he dreads – but he forces a smile, knowing that Steve has his welfare at heart and knowing that he has no choice but to accept the help that’s offered.

Back in 2017 Ken also suffered a tumble down the stairs – after being pushed by Daniel only months after he’d had a stroke. Of course he recovered on those occasions, but it’s going to be more difficult this time.

How will Ken cope with losing his independence?