In 2018, Joe finally revealed his true identity and his wicked desire to make former stepmumCharity pay for his dad's death. Cafe owner Bob made his first appearance in September 2000. The clinical nurse specialist is a constant presence at Holby City Hospital, known for his sense of humour and his several brushes with death. Many of these characters have stayed in their respective series for decades, often played by the same actor. When she gets any free time in between wreaking havoc with her bad behaviour, Charity does put some effort into being a mumto Debbie, Noah and baby Moses. A mechanic and the owner of Webster's Autocentre, Kevin is now married to Abi (Sally Carman), with the pair sharing son Jack and Abi's son with Imran (Charlie de Melo), Alfie. Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV, with an hour-long episode airing on Thursdays. Rhona initially appeared in Emmerdale in 2001 and 2002, but has been a much more central character since being reintroduced in 2010. He was the longest serving actor in the show on a continuous basis until Chris Chittell surpassed the 31 years, 2 months and 2 weeks in mid December 2017. The longest-serving TV actors in the same roles - Digital Spy The star had been in Emmerdale for 28 years after signing up on a three-month contract and was the soap's longest-serving cast member. She's transformed the character of Belle Dingle from cutesy youngster to homewreckin' femme fatale in only 11 years! Are you an occasional viewer who needs a steer when it comes to the newer characters? EastEnders' longest-serving cast member, Woodyatt has been playing Ian Beale since 1985. The current longest-running Bond is Sir Roger Moore, who starred in seven films, Moonraker, A View To A Kill, Live And Let Die, The Man With The Golden Gun, Octopussy, For Your Eyes Only and The. Escape. Subscribe to Radio Times magazine and get 12 issues for 1, Carole Boyd as Linda Snell (The Archers) - First appeared: 1986, Felicity Finch as Ruth Archer (The Archers) - First appeared: 1987, Philip Molloy as Phil Grundy (The Archers) - First appeared: 1989, Simon Gregson as Steve McDonald (Coronation Street) - First appeared: 1989, Steve McFadden as Phil Mitchell (Coronation Street) - First appeared: February 1990, Natalie Cassidy as Sonia Fowler (EastEnders) - First appeared: December 1993, Steve Halliwell as Zak Dingle (Emmerdale) - First appeared: October 1994, James Hooton as Sam Dingle (Emmerdale) - First appeared: February 1995, Nick Pickard as Tony Hutchinson (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: October 1995, Mark Charnock as Marlon Dingle (Emmerdale) - First appeared: October 1996, Jimmy McKenna as Jack Osborne (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: November 1996, Stephanie Waring as Cindy Cunningham (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: December 1996, Dominic Brunt as Paddy Kirk (Emmerdale) - First appeared: February 1997, Jane Danson as Leanne Battersby (EastEnders) - First appeared: July 1997, Alan Halsall as Tyrone Dobbs (Coronation Street) - First appeared: November 1998, Tina O'Brien as Sarah Platt (Coronation Street) - First appeared: October 1999, Ellis Hollins as Tom Cunningham (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: December 1999, Emma Atkins as Charity Dingle (Emmerdale) - First appeared: March 2000, Jeff Hordley as Cain Dingle (Emmerdale) - First appeared: March 2000, Jack P. Shepherd as David Platt (Coronation Street) - First appeared: April 2000, Sue Cleaver as Eileen Grimshaw (EastEnders) - First appeared: May 2000, Samia Longchambon as Maria Connor (EastEnders) - First appeared: May 2000, Louiza Patikas as Helen Titchener (The Archers) - First appeared: 2000, Jennie McAlpine as Fiz Stape (Coronation Street) - First appeared: April 2001, Lucy Pargeter as Chas Dingle (Emmerdale) - First appeared: October 2002, Lacey Turner as Stacey Slater (EastEnders) - First appeared: November 2004, Jessica Fox as Nancy Hayton (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: July 2005, Adrian Lewis Morgan as Jimmi Clay (Doctors) - First appeared: September 2005, Kieron Richardson as Ste Hay (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: February 2006, Jennifer Metcalfe as Mercedes McQueen (Hollyoaks) - First appeared: June 2006. However, in real life, Chris isn't as old as his alter-ego, despite just celebrating a birthday of his own last month. . Corries own Sally Metcalfe is played by actress Sally Dynevor. First introduced to the radio show as a teenager, his character went on to become a key player in Ambridge with his work at the farm. UK weather: Brits brace themselves for coronation heatwave as May tipped to be a scorcher, BGT viewers threaten to complain to Ofcom over disgusting performance, Jamie Oliver shares emotional tribute following sad death: I cant believe Im writing this, Prince Harry must face awkward family reunion head on at coronation, Princess Kate shuts down speculation over fourth baby with quick-witted quip, Emma Willis breaks her silence on being replaced by ITV bosses, Beautiful, brilliant, warm-hearted Coronation Street star dies aged 92, EastEnders spoilers tonight: Keanu arrested at Albies christening. He's also been appearing as team captain on panel show QI for over 15 years! Actress Helen has played Gail for 48 years so far and she shows no sign of slowing down. Last updated March 8, 2018. [2][3] Patricia Greene holds a similar record as the longest-serving actor in a radio soap opera, having joined the cast of The Archers as character Jill Archer in 1957. His own titular spin-off came in six years later and ended in 2015, bringing his time playing the character to almost 29 years. Daniel Craig is considered to be the longest-serving Bond actor, having played the part for more than 15 years. Actor Richard Thorp, Alan Turner on Emmerdale for more than 30 years, has died at the age of 81. Eric Pollard (also Pollock) is a fictional character from the British soap opera Emmerdale, played by Chris Chittell.He made his first appearance in the soap on 30 September 1986. One of the most recognisable stars from the Dales, Steve has been playing Zak since October 1994. It only includes appearances within the main programme and not thespin-offs. Speaking about his relationship and with relevance to age, Chris said: "Everyone thinks its the younger members of the cast who have all the fun but we more mature ones do, too.". Sue arrived as Audrey Roberts in 1979 with various stints until 1985. It is thought he celebrated the occasion with his wife and Brenda Walker star, Lesley Dunlop, but it is not known how they marked it as they don't share details of their private life often. The other half of the Marlon and Paddy double act arrived in the village in February 1997. 10 longest-serving soap stars in Britain - The Scottish Sun 1944) " Once I went so far as to slaughter a woodchuck which ravaged my bean-field,effect his transmigration, as a Tartar would say,and devour him, partly for experiment's sake; but though it . Christopher Chittell is Emmerdale's longest-serving actor ever, having played Eric Pollard for 31 years. The actor appeared in the very first episode of Coronation Street way back in 1960. David is currently married to Tracy, with their relationship currently on rocky ground due to her dark past. Because he indirectly subserves the purpose attested by the cannon; because too he lends the sanction of the religion of the meek to that which practically is the abrogation of everything but brute Force.Herman Melville (18191891), The actors today really need the whip hand. Emmerdale's iconic character Eric Pollard is played by. Her character has endured many tribulations throughout the years, including the loss of her husband Phil in February 2010 following the death of her co-star and soap veteran Norman Painting. Jimmy has been married to Nicola since 2010 and is father to three children Elliott, Carl and Angelica. Think The Archers' Patricia Greene as Jill Archer or Coronation Street's William Roache as Weatherfield's resident philander Ken Barlow. By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. Here's everything you need to know about the actor from Che While films can cover entire lives in just two hours, soaps let you into the lives of their characters week after week for years. While Adam is technically on a break from EastEnders he is the shows longest serving character. Chris Chittell - Wikipedia 2 Helen Wagner Played Nancy Hughes For 54 Years. Lisa and Zak are parents to Belle, who was born on Christmas Day 1998. The coveted top spot goes to Patricia Greene, who has been voicing Jill Archer on The Archers since 1957. After falling for Zak early on, Lisa has been central to many of the Dingles' dramas over the years. I cant even remember if I asked her for a date or she asked me but she is wonderful and were very happy. EMMERDALE star Dominic Brunt has played Paddy Kirk for over 25 years which makes him one of the longest-serving actors on the show. At this time, the actor would have been 19-years-old, meaning he wouldn't appear on Emmerdale until almost 20 years later. 2023 SheMedia, LLC. The deceptive detective debuted with Falk in the role in 1968 and would go on to become a global phenomenon with his rumpled coat, and even more rumpled face. Steve Halliwell wife: Who is Emmerdale's Zak Dingle star - Express The longest-serving character currently in the show, Eric Pollard has been on our screens for almost 38 years since September 1986. Try 12 issues for 1 today - never miss an issue. Taylforth is one of EastEnders' pillars, having played Kathy since 1985. The one and only Gail Platt made her debut on Corries cobbles in 1974. Many things have changed since then, except for Pollard's 'tash! Hornby, the second actor to play Jack Sugden, enjoyed success as drummer with 1960s Liverpool band The Dennisons. Cain recently reunited with his wife Moira following the birth of their son Isaac in late 2017. We make a point of not talking about Emmerdale when were at home, though that would be just too sad, wouldnt it? Nooo, it cant be! Spoiler alert: They have been on that long! Knox first joined the ITV soap as Rita Tanner (then known as Rita Littlewood) in 1964 before returning in a regular capacity in 1972. Richard Stanley Thorp was born on the 2nd . Famous quotes containing the words list, longest, serving and/or actors: " Feminism is an entire world view or gestalt, not just a laundry list of women's issues. Also featured on Crossroads, Harrison is best known for playing the role of Eddie Grundy on The Archers. The Canadian-British star has been a part of the Ambridge community since the mid-1970s, when he joined the cast as villain Brian Aldridge. Included among them are an enduring General Hospital heroine who, for all practical purposes, has grown . On 17th December 2017, Pollard surpassed Turner's exact length of duration in the show, making Chris the longest serving Emmerdale actor . hollyoaks actors who have died in real life. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. [1] The following is a list of the longest-serving actors from soap operas all over the world. Lil' Eden Taylor-Draper joined Emmerdale in 2005. Jill helped the family with a number of entrepreneurial ventures, including starting a short-lived bed and breakfast, but mostly filled the traditional role of cooker and helper, also due to the pressures of her mother-in-law. He had been the longest-serving cast member on the ITV soap, having made his first appearance on 23 . Emmerdale theory: Secret village wedding unveiled as beloved - Express Chittell's character has been on Emmerdale since September 1986 . At the centre of a storyline about depression and alcohol abuse, Audrey managed to pull through thanks to her loved ones and re-opened her salon in 2022. Having shown an early interest in the farm, David is the one who would go on to assume responsibility for Brookfield. Jimmy arrived in 2004 alongside his dad Tom andbrothers Carl, Matthew and Max. Some characters who have had more than one actor, such as Robert Sugden, Gabby Thomas and Priya Kotecha, are indicated by a in the Actor columm. STEVE HALLIWELL is one of the longest-serving actors in Emmerdale as head of the Dingle family, Zak Dingle, but who is the actor married to in real life? Recent years have seen Cain start to soften up, although he's still partial to kidnapping people and locking them up in car boots when the mood takes him. Are you an occasional viewer who needs a steer when it comes to the newer characters? After reuniting with old flame Paddy Kirk in 2017, Chas recently discovered that she's pregnant with her second child. Diane joined the village in 1999 and ran The Woolpack until 2016. Yes, consistency! Married to Neil, the character has been involved in prominent storylines, including being sent to prison for harbouring her criminal brother Clive (Alex Jones). Although he is older than much of the cast, he is now mingling with them and not standing at a two-meter distance from them. Charley Webb was 14 when she wascast in the role and has stuck with Emmerdale ever since. Ian has been married five times and has had countless feuds in Walford, including a long-standing one with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden). All Rights Reserved. He and Lesley were also told they didn't have to social distance when appearing in scenes together because they lived together at home. Columbo came to an end almost exactly 35 years later, though we should point out that the show sat out the majority of the '80s. Eric is taking centre stage in a new storyline at the moment, with his son David set to tell him a secret on a fishing trip. Dominic Chinea wife: Who is The Repair Shop star married to? TV's greatest investigator is also one of the small screen's longest-serving characters. Samson was born in January 2006 while his mum Alice was battling cancer. The following is a list of the top 100 longest serving Emmerdale characters who have been featured in the show as of 20th April 2023. Harmon's role is still ongoing so there's a chance he could be shooting up this chart in years to come. Sam is dad to 12-year-old schoolboy Samson, whose mum Alice sadly died in 2006 just a fewmonths after his birth. Lumr Nykl from Ulice has a good reason for this", "The surgery in the rose garden loses its star: Why does Petr Rychl probably end up? Jason has a number of long-running performances on his CV, but it's A Touch of Frost that gets the actor an entry here for playing the detective inspector from '92 until its final ep in 2010. Robert's on-screen partnership with Aaron Dingle has helped to make the character more popular than ever before with an army of #Robron fans supporting their boys every step of the way. Emmerdale stars Then and Now! Look how they've changed (or not!) He lasted until 2021 when he took a break from his role as Ian Beale but he is widely expected to return soon. Having been on the show for 36 years, Chris would have been 38-years-old when he was first featured as the villainous businessman. He originally served as the villain of the soap, noted for his fiery feuds with other . Digital Spy participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. It only includes appearances within the main programme and not thespin-offs. The pensioner was seen getting emotional as he told his son, David Metcalfe (played by Matthew Wolfeden), that he had got his second vaccine. Originally a village villain, Eric mellowed over the years and had a popular on-screen partnership with his wife Val, who died in 2015. Who is in the cast of Emmerdale 2022? Meet the full line-up David has faced huge financial problems in the wake of the pandemic, with it having a huge impact on his business - the village shop. AND if there's been a break of ten years, we're also discounting them (apologies to Sir David Jason and Still Open All Hours). And we couldnt be more grateful to them for doing so! Originally a village villain, Eric mellowed over the years and had a popular on-screen partnership with his wife Val, who died in 2015. Want to know who's coming and going? (PEDANT NOTE: as both actors reprised their roles in the 2008 movie The X-Files: I Want to Believe, we're allowing this.). Coronation Street usually airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV. Included among them are an enduring, Wanna see who came in at No. The fan favourite has been landlady of The Woolpack since 2011 and is mum to troubled Aaron Dingle. Diane is also the stepmum of Robert, Andy and Victoria after her marriage to Jack Sugden, who died in 2009. List of longest-serving soap opera actors - Wikipedia Actor Chris has played businessman and busybody Eric Pollard for 36 years. Longevity in television can be pretty hard to come by. .mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{}Former Excitement. Longest-Serving Soap Opera Actors List: With Photos From Y&R, GH, Etc Emmerdale's Zak Dingle actor Steve Halliwell opens up about secret Just clickety-click on the photo gallery below and wait for the moment that you find yourself saying, Wait, have they really been on that long? Wyle, like a number of familiar faces (hello George Clooney), was there at the very beginning of US hospital drama ER in 1994. Queen Charlotte review: A Bridgerton triumph, Michelle Yeoh stars in trailer for new Poirot film, EastEnders announces eating disorder story for Ben, I'm a Celebrity airs trial twist for new campers. 10 Longest Spans Of Time An Actor Played The Same Character In A TV Series 1 William Roache Played Ken Barlow For 60 Years. She's also recently developed an unlikely romantic connection with Daz Spencer. Want more spoilers from Coronation Street? WWE 2023 draft who is on Raw and SmackDown? Radio star Gallimore has been playing the role of Pat since 1974. Hopes of reconciliation for William and Harry fade as different paths laid bare, Meghan Markle urged to do the right thing before its too late as her dads health deteriorates, Strictly Come Dancing pro confides in co-star about becoming a first-time dad, Richard Madeley reveals wife Judy is sleeping in spare room as he thanks GMB viewers for advice. Incredibly, Grammer has been voicing Sideshow Bob on (and off) on The Simpsons for even longer a staggering 28 years! Who are the longest-serving actors in soap? Many shows come and go before you've even had chance to fall in love/hate with the cast. It came to an end in 2011. The longest-serving female soap star is Barbara Knox. Prince Harry to use coronation trip to his advantage when he returns to the States? Matthew Wolfenden joined Emmerdale in 2006 after previously missing out on the role of Eli Dingle. Who are Britain's longest-serving soap stars? - The Guardian Ian Beale but he is widely expected to return soon. Emmerdale star Richard Thorp was one of the soap's longest serving actors before his tragic death in 2013. The most recent season ended earlier this year. He played the role of former Woolpack owner Alan Turner in the ITV soap, best known for his friendship with Seth Armstrong and flirtations with vet secretary Pearl. Why, then, is he there? Chris Chittell age: How old is Emmerdale's Eric Pollard star? Introduced as Lisa Clegg in 1996, Jane Cox is Emmerdale's longest-serving female cast member and a firm favourite with fans. After Disclosing His Cancer Diagnosis, Young & Restless' Eric Braeden Reveals 'What's On My Mind', Young & Restless Powder Keg: Sallys Revelation and Request Will Test Nick Like Never Before, Young & Restless' Phyllis Rips Apart an Entire Community With Her Latest Stunt. Although best known for police procedural NCIS, the character first appeared in a 2003 episode of US legal drama JAG. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Single mother Audrey has been in many short-lived relationships before finding steady love with Alf Roberts (Bryan Mosley). Do you ever struggle to keep track of who plays who in the Emmerdale cast and how everyone fits in? We'd be here all day if we listed all of his family connections past and present, but he's best known these days as the (not-so-loyal)partner of Lisa and father to Cain, Sam and Belle. Please note: A '#' in the Most recent appearance column indicated that a character is still in the show. She returned briefly for Tricia Dingle's funeral in 2004, and made a permanent comeback in 2012. At this time, the actor would have been 19-years-old, meaning he wouldn't appear on Emmerdale until almost 20 years later. 1 on the list? 2023 SheMedia, LLC. Sallis appeared in every single episode of the BBC sitcom, from its debut in January 1973 to its denouement in August 2010. They havent got the sense of pride in their profession that the less socially elevated musical comedy and music hall people or acrobats have. Poirot clocked in 70 episodes when it came to an end in 2013. While soapland is known for a high turnover, welcoming new faces and airing dramatic exits, its success is partly owed to those who stay in the face of whatever life may throw at them. The actor listed in each case is whoever played the character most recently. Jack Downham took over the role when Noah returned with Charity in 2009. What is the longest running soap opera still in production? Who is in the cast of Emmerdale 2021? Sally Dexter took over the role in 2017 and fans have seen Faith try to make amends with her family after years of estrangement. This means there was always some hope the couple would get back together but the actor who plays . After growing up on the show, Eden has been given some huge storylines in recent years including Belle accidentally killing her best friend Gemma Andrews and later being diagnosed with mental health issues. Last of the Summer Wine may not be the worldwide hit like some of the other shows above, but it entertained millions in the UK for five decades. And we couldn't be more grateful to them for doing so! Chris is Emmerdale's longest-serving actor, having played Eric continuously since the character's introduction in September 1986. Cain and Chas's mum Faith was originally played by Gillian Jephcott in 2000 and 2004. Fox had the stern task of taking over as the show's co-lead (shared with William Gaminara and Tom Ward as Leo and Harry respectively) when Amanda Burton left BBC One's Silent Witness in 2004. He's also dad to Debbie Dingle and Kyle Wyatt. Greene made her debut in the role of Jill Archer in July 1957. Known for being villainous, he's toned down in recent years. The list is sorted by default in the order of time between first and last appearances of a character in years and months. Wanna see who came in at No. Matthews debuted in the role of Jenny in 1986 and first left Weatherfield in 1991. ", "Peter Van den Bossche (Gunther Levi) and Marie-Rose (Martine Jonckheere) disappear from 'Family', "Geert Hunaerts has been a fixture in 'Thuis' for ten years: "One ridiculous joke and suddenly you're an actor", "Exit Linda: after lie about brain tumor in Family, it's over and out for Hilde van Wesepoel's character", "Chris Van Tongelen steps out of 'Family', "Wittekerke 25 years later: What do you remember about the characters of the popular VTM soap? Christopher Chittell is Emmerdale's longest-serving actor ever, having played Eric Pollard for 31 years. And, for as twisted as their plots tend to get, consistency. As of 2023, William Roache holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-serving actor in a television soap opera, having played Ken Barlow on Coronation Street . "And we do get strange looks when were out sometimes. [1] Biography [ edit] Early life [ edit] Chittell was born in Aldershot, Hampshire. Eric Pollard, the longest running character. Duff began her career on Glaswegian crime show Taggart as a PC and made her way up to DI by the time it ended in 2010. Queen Charlotte review: A Bridgerton triumph, Michelle Yeoh stars in trailer for new Poirot film, EastEnders announces eating disorder story for Ben, I'm a Celebrity airs trial twist for new campers, Here's every superhero's new look in Infinity War. Belle is currently in a relationship with Lachlan White, unaware of the dark secret he's keeping over his family's fatal road crash. ", "Daytime Emmys: 'General Hospital' Celebrates 50th Anniversary", "Eric Braeden talks about controversial exit as Victor Newman on, "Kate Linder Celebrates 40 Years as Esther Valentine on 'The Young and the Restless', "Susan Lucci & Cameron Mathison continue their, "Original cast member John Clarke retires", "Larry Bryggman to return before ATWT ends", "Classic ATWT photo of the day: Patricia Bruder", "Mary Stuart, 76, a star in two soap operas, is dead", "John Beradino, 79, an enduring soap opera star", "Colleen Zenk Pinter's Battle with Cancer", "Peter Hansen Dies: 'General Hospital' Actor Was 95", "Henderson Forsythe, 88, character actor, dies", "Guiding Light and One Life to Live star Jerry verDorn dies aged 72", "Leann Hunley Brings Anna DiMera Back to Days of Our Lives: 'Anna and Tony, Will They Live Happily Ever After? (Wystan Hugh), List of Emmerdale Spin-Offs & Merchandise, List of Minor Emmerdale Characters (1997), List of Minor Emmerdale Characters (2002), List of Minor Emmerdale Characters (2004), List of Minor Emmerdale Characters (2007), List of Minor Emmerdale Characters (2009). He and Sally were officially married after he obtained a divorce. WWE 2023 draft who is on Raw and SmackDown? The constant in his life appears to be his wife Clarrie (Heather Bell), who has stood by him through thick and thin. Only surpassed by the retired Eileen Derbyshire, Barbara is still going strong playing the newsagent everyone loves to love. Will life slow down for Eric at any point? Fan favourite Danny Miller then took over the role, sticking with the show until 2012 and making a return in 2014. The daughter of Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) and Ted Page (Michael Byrne), Gail is the half-sister of Corrie baddie Stephen Reid (Todd Boyce) and is the soap's most married female characters, with five ceremonies under her belt. His father served in the Indian Army, and on leaving school Chittell intended to . Some guest characters, who only made short-term appearances which would otherwise allow them to be included in this list such asJim Latimer, Anya King and Thomas King are excluded. in 2006 after previously missing out on the role of Eli Dingle. Debbie is mum to 12-year-old Sarah and 5-year-old Jack. It details those actors with ten or more years spent on one year-round or stripped soap opera, despite itinerant breaks and in some cases with the actor portraying multiple roles. Following the tragic loss of her husband Ashley in 2017, Laurel has been trying to rebuild her life but her recent affair with Bob Hope has certainly caused a stir among theEmmerdale fanbase. Neighbours favourite Canning says goodbye in these emotional pictures", "Actor Gordon 'Bob the plumber' Piper dies", "Neighbours star Colette Mann confirms exit as Sheila Canning", "Neighbours SPOILER: Death storyline for Sonya Rebecchi", "From Summer Bay to Bondi Beach - Ryan Clark has reinvented himself after his Home & Away stint", "Actors look back on 30 years of 'Family': "People grabbed us in the store", "Annie Geeraerts reveals: "I would normally only play 'the grandma' in 'Family' for three months", "Annick Segal about her happiness: "When I was still a student, my husband and I really saw black snow", "Again relationship problems in 'Home': did Simoneke cheat on you? David has a young daughter, Amba, with ex-girlfriend Priya and is also a father figure to teenager Jacob Gallagher. As of 2023, William Roache holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-serving actor in a television soap opera, having played Ken Barlow on Coronation Street since 1960.