Ken faces Corrie axe

TV

09:30 18 October 2005

'Coronation Street' veteran Ken Barlow could be axed from the hit ITV soap - in a new cull of characters.

The former teacher, played by William Roache, is rumoured to be facing the chop after 45 years on the 'Street'.

New producer Steve "Iceman" Frost is believed to be considering axing Ken, twice-married to bespectacled Deirdre, in a massive shake-up of the soap.

A show insider told Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "His death would be an absolute sensation and the talk of every household in the UK."

Ken is the only surviving character from the show's first ever episode which was broadcast live in 1960.

Roache is not the only long-serving star whose character is facing the chop.

Barmaid Betty Turpin, played by Betty Driver, pensioner Emily Bishop, portrayed by Eileen Derbyshire, and Rita Sullivan, played by Barbara Knox, are all rumoured to be joining Ken out of the 'Street'.

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