Absolutely Fabulous star joins ITV Coronation Street as Ken Barlow’s new lover
Coronation Street legend Bill Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since the soap began in 1960, is reportedly set to get a new on-screen lover as he faces a £500,000 tax bill
Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow, played by Bill Roache, is set to have a new love interest on the show.
The 91 year old character will reportedly be pursued by a newcomer to the soap, played by Absolutely Fabulous actress Helen Lederer. It’s thought Helen’s arrival will help boost cash-strapped Bill’s earnings per episode, amid his money troubles.
This comes after Bill was given three months to clear his debts after filing for bankruptcy again. On Monday (March 11), his debt was reduced due to payments made. He hopes the sale of his home will cover the rest of his bill, according to Jacquille Jarrett, representing HMRC.
His case has been put off for another 12 weeks, until June 10, to sort out the rest of the money he owes. The court didn’t say how much he has to pay now, but last month they said it was £546,000 in tax. Roache wasn’t at the court and people think he makes about £250,000 a year, which is one of the top salaries on the show.
Bill Roache has been given three months to clear his debts (
Will Roache, Will Roache Photography Ltd.)
Absolutely Fabulous actress Helen Lederer has joined the cast of the ITV soap (
Dave Benett/Getty Images for Hea)
A TV insider told The Sun of Helen’s arrival on the cobbled streets of Weatherfield: “Despite being Weatherfield’s oldest resident Ken still has an eye for the ladies and his character is very charming.” They added that this storyline would help boost Bill’s earnings as Corrie stars are paid per episode.
Speaking about Bill’s money troubles earlier this year, a spokesperson for Coronation Street said: “We’re really sorry to hear of Bill’s financial situation. He has an ongoing contract with Coronation Street and remains a much-loved member of the cast.”
During lockdowns, Bill tried to make some extra money by making videos for his fans online. He joined Celebrity Video Messages, where fans can give money to stars and get a special video just for them. He asked for £35 for each video and would send them within four to seven working days. He also joined Cameo, where he still makes personal videos.
Bill, who has been on Corrie for 64 years, has raised his price on the site and now asks for £51 to make a video for his fans. Even though he’s having money problems, Bill has said he’s not thinking about retiring. On his 90th birthday ITV documentary, he conveyed to viewers: “People will say, ‘When are you retiring? Are you going to take a break? ‘ But then what happens? Whilst I can do it, and whilst they will have me, I have no intention of retiring. I am so fortunate to work for an organisation that is happy to have me.”