William Roache, known for his role as Ken Barlow on the long-running soap opera Coronation Street, recently shared details about a two-year feud he had with a fellow cast member. The 93-year-old actor opened up about the rift during a special event called An Audience With Coronation Street at The Lowry in Salford.

Roache, along with co-stars Jane Danson, Jack P. Shepherd, Patti Clare, and Jimmi Harkinsin, reminisced about their time on the show and participated in a pub quiz centered on the show’s history. The event was hosted by This Morning star Sharon Marshall, who welcomed Roache to the stage.

During a conversation with Sharon, Roache recounted a disagreement he had with Pat Phoenix, who played Elsie Tanner on the show. The rift occurred during a scene where Phoenix’s character was unkind to Roache’s on-screen wife. The dispute led to a two-year silence between the actors off-camera.

Despite not speaking to each other, Roache and Phoenix continued to film scenes together until Phoenix eventually broke the ice by inviting Roache to her birthday party. This gesture marked the beginning of a lasting friendship between the two actors.

Phoenix, who struggled as an actress before landing her role as Elsie, was a significant figure in the show’s early years. She left and returned to the program multiple times before her passing at the age of 62.

Roache, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award earlier this year, expressed his gratitude for his time on Coronation Street and his desire to continue working on the show until he turns 100. He emphasized the joy of working with talented actors and creating lasting memories on the iconic program.