Coronation Street fans ‘only just realising’ William Roache’s sons starred on ITV soap

Coronation Street legend William Roache has two sons, Linus and James, who have also appeared on the ITV soap alongside him

Coronation Street’s William Roache isn’t the only one in his family with a successful acting career.

The 94-year-old has portrayed Ken Barlow on the ITV soap since 1960 and is rumoured to be one of Corrie’s highest earners.

Throughout his 66 years in Weatherfield, Ken has been embroiled in numerous gripping and spine-chilling storylines, from memorable romances, including his lengthy marriage to Deirdre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride), to the surprise appearance of his sons on the cobbles.

In 2017, viewers were gripped by the massive “Who Attacked Ken?” mystery when he was brutally shoved down the stairs by his own son, Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard). Fortunately, he lived to recount the ordeal.

There was also a twist when Will Roache’s real-life sons joined him on screen as part of another Ken Barlow plot, reports the Mirror.

Who are Will Roache’s sons?

The iconic soap actor has two children with his first wife, Anna Cropper. Their eldest son, Linus Roache, born in 1964, is also an actor.

Long-time Corrie fans might recall Linus portraying Peter Barlow, Ken’s on-screen son, back in 1975. He assumed the role at nine years old, becoming the fourth actor to portray the problematic character.

Linus maintained his on-screen familial connection with Bill when he returned to the ITV soap in 2010. Looking entirely different as a slick businessman, he took on the character of Ken’s long-lost son, Lawrence Cunningham.

In a bewildering yet delightful turn for the Roache clan, Linus’ younger sibling James subsequently portrayed his on-screen offspring, James Cunningham.

Ken was instrumental in attempting to forge a bond between Lawrence and James after his character initially refused to acknowledge James’s homosexuality. Will has previously stated that he was “enormously proud” of their shared time on the programme.

He once remarked: “When I’m in New York, no one bothers about me; it’s all about Linus. James is just getting started, but will no doubt be just the same.”

Soap enthusiasts were recently taken aback to learn that Will had appeared alongside his offspring on Coronation Street.

On a Corrie Facebook fan group, accompanied by images of Will, Linus and James, one viewer enquired: “Did anyone else know that Ken’s real sons were in the soap?”, while another supporter responded: “I do now! No way.”

A third individual posted a mind-blown emoji, while a fourth devotee proclaimed: “That is amazing.”

James was also given the opportunity to portray his actual father, William, in a 2010 production exploring Corrie’s origins, entitled The Road to Coronation Street.

He additionally featured in Cold Blood and Four Seasons before withdrawing from the spotlight after his Corrie stint concluded in 2011.

Where might I recognise Linus Roache from?

In contrast, Linus’s acting journey thrived with parts in blockbuster Hollywood productions including Batman Begins and The Wings of the Dove. Linus has also featured in an extensive array of other acclaimed television programmes.

From 2017 to 2020, he portrayed David Wellington in Homeland, while in 2019, he took on the role of Richard Shaw in Summer of Rockets.

Vikings enthusiasts will recognise the actor as King Ecbert from 2014 to 2017, while Law and Order audiences will recall him as Executive ADA Michael Cutter from 2008 to 2010.

In recent years, Linus has appeared as John Tunstall in Billy the Kid, Reginald Pye in Doctor Who, and Colonel Figgis in The Capture.

Tragically, Will’s daughter Vanya died at the age of 50 on March 4, 2018, from liver failure. Bill was given compassionate leave from the soap following her passing.

He disclosed that a car accident stopped him from bidding farewell to Vanya before she died at a hospital in Chichester.

He explained: “The pain of losing a child is unbearable. To not be able to say goodbye to Vanya was awful, but I take some comfort in knowing she is in a better place and at peace. But your children going before you is horrendous.”

Coronation Street airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX