Coronation Street viewers were left speechless when Ken Barlow (William Roache) announced he was leaving the cobbles after 80 years to live in a luxury retirement village named Still Waters.
As part of the show’s 10000th episode aired earlier this month, Ken struggled with the decision of whether to move away with partner Claudia Colby (Rula Lenska).
After a long deliberation about regrets with pals Rita Sullivan (Barbara Knox) and Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) during a trip to Blackpool, Ken came to his decision and decided to say goodbye to the cobbles.
Walking his beloved dog Eccles down the deserted street he said: “Eighty years too late but finally time to go. Goodbye old friend.”
Ken Barlow and Claudia Colby are set to leave Number 1 Coronation Street to live in an incredible retirement village named Still Waters (Image: ZENPIX LTD)
First-look images from the lavish property show Ken and Claudia will be living in the lap of luxury at the incredible venue, as it comes complete with a cocktail bar, book club and even fencing lessons.
Behind-the-scenes snaps show Ken Barlow actor William Roache filming at Colshaw Hall Country Estate alongside Claudia actress Rula Lenska and Malcolm Hebden, who plays Norris.
Norris, who has only been an occasional guest star ever since Malcolm offered ill health in 2011, will return to the show in upcoming scenes and will be moving next to Ken at the retirement home with his wife Freda.
In real life, the 300-acre estate is a stunning and exclusive wedding venue, which can cost between £3,500 and £12,000.
This is where Ken and Claudia are to spend their retriement (Image: ZENPIX LTD)
Soap veteran William Roache, who has played Ken Barlow for almost 60 years, recently said it was a “big decision” for his character to move away from the famous street.
Speaking to The Sun, he said: “Filming that final scene of the episode was very poignant, just Ken and Eccles (his pet dog) and the cobbles.
“He breaks the news to the family next week and they are surprised but very soon Peter and Tracy start squabbling over who will be given first refusal on the house.
“We have already started filming at the retirement complex and I am really enjoying it, it always feels different when we film away from the street.
William Roache and Rula Lenska film scenes at Colshaw Hall Country Estate (Image: ZENPIX LTD)
“It seems fitting that Ken makes this decision in the 10,000th episode but it will be strange not filming in number 1 after all this time.”
Ken is the only remaining character from the first episode of the ITV soap that will celebrate its 60th anniversary this December.
Coronation Street airs tonight on ITV at 7.30pm
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
