A TRIBUTE night to the nation’s longest-serving soap actor is being held this year in Bolton as Coronation Street celebrates its 50th year.

William Roache has played Ken Barlow since the famous Northern series was first broadcast on December 9, 1960, and still takes a major role in its storylines.

On Friday, September 24, a host of TV stars and other celebrities will attend a “Tribute Night to William Roache” at the Premier Suite at the Reebok to mark the double celebration.

It is being staged by the Bolton branch of the Variety Club of Great Britain and will raise money for disadvantaged local children.

Chairman Paul Wild said: “This event provides a unique opportunity to honour a much-loved actor who has made his character such an important part of British life.

“It will be a very exciting night, and not just for fans of Coronation Street.

“There will be plenty of surprises — William Roache counts people like Cliff Richard, Cilla Black and Prince Charles among his friends and acquaintances and many people want to pay tribute to both his longevity and his talent.”

Ken Barlow has had a varied life in The Street, fathering three children, including twins Susan and Peter and Daniel Osbourne, plus adopting his third wife’s daughter, Tracy Barlow.

He has been a teacher, a newspaper editor, a community activist, a supermarket trolley-pusher and, more recently, a failed Santa Claus.

Ken has been married four times, widowed twice, divorced once and has had 27 girlfriends, including glamorous stars like Joanna Lumley and Stephanie Beacham.

Roache, aged 77, is delighted with the event.

“I am really looking forward to it — it’s a wonderful honour and I am very grateful to the Variety Club for arranging it,” he said.

Tickets for the night, which includes a four-course meal, and a reception drink, courtesy of DeVere Whites Hotel, will be £60 per ticket, or a table of 10 at a cost of £550.

To reserve your tickets, call Paul Wild on 07503 157920 or on 01204 591824. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.