Coronation Street ‘s Bill Roache has revealed how much he was paid when he first appeared on Corrie, speaking during an interview on Good Morning Britain today.
The 88-year-old Corrie star joined the soap as Ken Barlow 60 years ago, earning the title of the longest-running cast member on the cobbles.
Today, the soap’s leading actors are thought to be paid handsome sums each year, but Bill’s salary was far more modest back in 1960.
Digging for answers, GMB presenter Adil Ray said: “You told me you got paid £10 an episode?”
The Ken Barlow star revealed how much he was paid when he first appeared on Corrie (Image: ITV)
Correcting him, Bill replied: “It was £70 pounds.”
Making a cheeky reference to his current salary, Adil quipped: “I hope you’re getting paid double that now!”
While leading Corrie stars are thought to be paid six-figure sums for their role in the iconic ITV soap, Bill’s official 2020 salary has yet to be revealed.
Leading Corrie stars are thought to be paid six-figure sums for their roles (Image: ITV)
Later, the conversation turned to Bill’s lockdown artworks, as he has spent recent months taking art lessons from his talented daughter Verity.
Showing off his wares, the legendary soap star waved detailed drawings of a bee and a lion before the camera, leaving Adil and Kate Garraway impressed.
Taking to Twitter, GMB viewers were delighted to wake up to an interview with Bill on a Wednesday morning, as they praised the actor’s painting skills.
Bill showed off his drawing of a bee, which he created during the lockdown
One said: “Bill Roache. Living legend. Looks great for 88 years old! #GMB.”
“Bill Roache showing the drawings he’s been doing during lockdown is the wholesome content we need in the morning @GMB,” added a second.
And a third chimed: “Wow Ken Roache is a brilliant artist as well as an actor, love his artworks shown on GMB from Lion, Bee, amazing detail on both, a credit to him they are. Keep up the artworks Bill as well as your acting on Coronation Street.”
Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays at 6am on ITV
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
