Bill Roache doesn't think 'Coronation Street' should be described as a "soap".
Bill Roache
The 86-year-old actor has appeared as Ken Barlow on the ITV series since it debuted on the small screen back in December 1960 and although he understands why the term is used to describe the show he is adamant it offers a lot more than just a "kitchen sink drama".
Speaking on BBC Radio 2's 'Steve Wright in the Afternoon' show on Wednesday (20.06.18), he explained: "I still don't like the word soap. We were a cutting edge, realistic kitchen sink drama when we started."
The veteran star explained while the stories explored on the cobbles have changed over the years, it's a good thing for the audience, actors and the growth of the programme, and he doesn't accept that the recent Pat Phelan murder spree or the David Platt male rape plot are too dark.
For Bill, 'Corrie' offers an insight into "a small community that is struggling against the odds", and that's why people still like it and will continue to do so.
He added: "People are curious about life and how other people live ... Providing the quality is good and the standard remains good, I think they'll remain there."
Bill also took time to reflect on his new book 'Life and Soul', which delves into his secrets to feeling young at heart and remaining relatively-stress free.
Opening up on the importance of optimism, he added: "You can't stop what comes at you, it's how you greet it ... No, if a big challenge comes at you what you must do is look at it, accept that it's happening ... embrace it ... and be optimistic."
"One positive thought prevents a whole torrent of negativity."
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