Could Corrie chief cut Ken?

The unthinkable has been suggested. Ken Barlow may be axed from Corrie.

14:37 18 October 2005

The unthinkable has been suggested. Ken Barlow may be axed from Corrie.

The Street legend, played by 73-year-old William Roache, has been treading the Weatherfield boards since the first episode in 1960, and is the last surviving cast member who was there at the beginning.

But now a Corrie mole has told the Daily Star: "[Ken's] death would be an absolute sensation and the talk of every household in the UK."

This kind of comment might be taken with more than a pinch of salt under usual circumstances, but these are not usual circumstances.

A new producer, Steve Frost, is on the scene. His nickname is "Iceman", because he is cold enough to axe longstanding soap characters in a bid for ratings.

Several of Corrie's favourite characters have been earmarked for the chop, but this is the first time Ken has been suggested.

Other old-timers who may be getting nervous about their futures include old dears Betty Turpin, Emily Bishop and Rita Sullivan.