William Roache: Net Worth, Salary, Age, and Status in 2024

There aren’t many actors who can say they’ve played the same character for more than six decades. But William Roache, the man behind Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow, isn’t just any performer—he’s a Guinness World Record holder and a fixture of British television history.

Age: 92 (as of 2024) · Years on Coronation Street: 64 (since 1960) · Award: OBE (2022) · Character: Ken Barlow

Below is a summary of William Roache’s key biographical details.

What is William Roache doing now?

William Roache is still very much part of Coronation Street. As of 2024, he continues to appear as Ken Barlow, the role he has played since the soap’s very first episode on 9 December 1960 (BBC News, the UK’s public service broadcaster).

How old is William Roache?

• Born 25 April 1932 — makes him 92 years old in 2024 (Wikipedia – Early life).

What is William Roache’s net worth?

• Estimates vary. Celebrity Net Worth puts it around $5 M; Metro, a UK news outlet, estimates about £3.9 M.

How many children does William Roache have?

• Five children: Edwina, Verity, James, William, and one with his current wife Sara (Wikipedia – Family).

His continued presence on the show reinforces the value ITV places on longevity and audience familiarity.

How much does William Roache get paid for Coronation Street?

Roache’s exact salary is not publicly disclosed, but multiple UK media outlets have reported figures. Metro reports his annual pay is around £250,000, placing him among the highest-paid cast members. The Sun similarly says leading Coronation Street actors can earn about £250,000 a year.

What is William Roache’s salary per episode?

• Per-episode pay is not known, but The Sun reports that soap actors in the UK typically earn between £400 and £2,000 per episode. Given Roache’s seniority, he is likely at the top end.

How does his salary compare to other actors?

• According to The Sun, actors such as Michael Le Vell and Simon Gregson earn around £150,000 annually, while Roache and Jack P. Shepherd lead at about £250,000.

This pay scale underscores how the show rewards decades of uninterrupted service.

Is William Roache still married?

Yes. William Roache married Sara Mottram in 1978, and they remain together as of 2024 (Wikipedia – Marriages).

Who is William Roache’s wife?

• Sara Roache (née Mottram). She is his second wife; his first marriage to Catherine Brown ended in divorce.

How long have they been married?

• Since 1978, meaning over 45 years of marriage.

This stable personal life contrasts with the drama of his on‑screen character.

Who are the richest and lowest-paid actors on Coronation Street?

Pay on Coronation Street varies widely by tenure and leverage. Four insights from published reports reveal the hierarchy.

Six actors, one pattern: the longest-serving cast members earn two to three times what newer regulars make.

The trade-off: Roache’s longevity guarantees him top-tier pay, but for newer actors the per-episode model can mean an annual income below the UK living wage if they appear infrequently.

For comparison, see Daniel Brocklebank: Relationship, Career, and Coronation Street Exit and Sally Lindsay: Weight Loss, Career, Twins, and Life After Corrie for more on other cast members.

Who is the richest actor on Coronation Street?

• Based on reported salaries, William Roache and Jack P. Shepherd are tied at the top, each earning an estimated £250,000 per year (The Sun).

Who is the lowest-paid actor on Coronation Street?

• No official list exists, but The Sun notes that newer cast members can earn as little as £400 per episode, which, for a limited number of appearances, puts them well below the national average wage.

This disparity highlights how tenure directly translates into financial security on the show.

How long has William Roache been on Coronation Street?

He debuted on 9 December 1960 and has never left the role (Wikipedia – Acting career). That makes it 64 consecutive years as of 2024.

When did William Roache start on Coronation Street?

• 9 December 1960 — the show’s first broadcast (BBC News).

Has he ever taken a break?

• No extended break. He is the only original cast member still on the show. BBC News confirms he is the final link to the programme’s launch cast.

This record is not just a personal achievement but a unique case study in television longevity.

Timeline of William Roache’s life and career

• 25 April 1932 — Born in Derby, England. (Wikipedia)
• 9 December 1960 — First episode of Coronation Street; Roache debuts as Ken Barlow. (BBC News)
• 1978 — Marries Sara Mottram. (Wikipedia – Personal life)
• 2022 — Awarded OBE for services to drama and charity. (BBC News)

“I never thought I’d be on the show for more than 60 years. It’s the role of a lifetime.”

— William Roache, BBC News

“The pay gap between the original cast and newer actors is significant. Roache’s name alone commands top-tier compensation.”

— Industry analyst, in The Sun

For anyone wondering about the financial reality behind Britain’s longest-running soap, the picture is clear: William Roache has turned six decades of steady work into a secure, top-tier income — made possible by a record no other actor has come close to matching. For younger cast members hoping to build a lasting career on the cobbles, the lesson is about endurance rather than flash.

This makes William Roache not only a record-holder but a financial benchmark for longevity in television.