Coronation Street has confirmed that original character Ken Barlow will leave the cobbles – but not the show.
The ITV soap aired a huge surprise in its milestone 10,000th episode on Friday evening (February 7), as Ken made the big decision to move into a retirement complex with his girlfriend Claudia Colby.
Corrie bosses have now explained what this means for Ken, assuring fans that Bill Roache – who plays him – is not leaving the show.
A future storyline will see Ken go ahead with his plans to move out of Number 1. Viewers will then see Ken and Claudia start a new life at the Still Waters luxury retirement complex, where new on-screen adventures follow.
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The first big surprise comes when Ken discovers that his old friends Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden) and Freda Burgess (Ali Briggs) are already settled into life at Still Waters, so there will be some familiar faces to catch up with.
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Later, when Ken crosses swords with fellow resident Charles – played by Robin Hood actor Michael Elwyn – it looks as though he'll be facing just as much drama at Still Waters as he did on the cobbles.
Speaking about the new storyline, Bill explained: "This is a big decision for Ken, but in some ways he thinks it is now or never. He has lived on the same street his whole life and in the same house for most of it.
"He feels that he had a chance to move away with Martha on the barge but he let her go. Part of him regretted that.
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"He doesn't want to make the same mistake again and Claudia is very persuasive. Filming that final scene of the episode was very poignant, just Ken and Eccles 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.
"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."
Related: Coronation Street fans divided over no live episode for 60th anniversary
Coronation Street fans will see Ken and Claudia break their big news to the Barlows in Monday night's episodes (February 10).
Tracy looks forward to claiming Number 1 as her own, but Peter decides to fight her for the house – even though his partner Carla Connor is far from enthusiastic.
The latest family feud confirms to Ken that he's right to leave, so next month he settles into Still Waters with Claudia. The couple start to enjoy the luxury development's many facilities, including a cocktail bar, book club and fencing lessons.
Will the move pay off for Ken and Claudia, or are they making a mistake? Plus, who will be the new owners of Number 1?
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.
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