Overview
- The reports, published Wednesday, say a one‑off special with the working title Bill Roache: Life On The Street is in development and is expected to air in late 2026 or early 2027.
- Radio Times and regional outlets say Manchester‑based MultiStory Media, which is part of ITV Studios, has been working with Roache and Coronation Street producers for about six months.
- Roache, 94, has played Ken Barlow since the soap began in December 1960, has appeared in almost 5,000 episodes and holds a Guinness World Record for the longest‑serving continuous TV role.
- Coronation Street executive Iain MacLeod has previously said Roache will keep his role for as long as he wants, which aligns with coverage that frames the programme as a celebration rather than a farewell.
- ITV has not yet formally confirmed the special so final details such as the official title, exact format and broadcast date remain unverified and should be expected in a future announcement.