Ahead of the soap's 60th anniversary, Bill Roache has opened up about his future on Coronation Street. 

The actor, who plays Ken Barlow, appeared in the very first episode of Coronation Street on December 9, 1960. He opened up about his future on the soap in a chat with The Sunday Post, where he revealed his hopes to still be in Weatherfield for the big anniversary next December. “I’d like to say that it seems like only yesterday,” the 87-year-old said. “The truth is it seems more like the day before. Having been there at the very start I would certainly like to still be there 60 years later.” He added that his time on the soap has been an "amazing journey," as he shared where he thinks his character will go from here. “He has had many adventures through the years and I hope he will be going strong and having some good storylines in the years ahead," he said. “I certainly do not see the end of Coronation Street. A couple of times people have wondered if it is nearing the end of its life but the viewing figures are still among the very best, the storylines remain strong, the characters are good and I think that since people have been watching it for generations, it has become a part of everyone’s family." “You can’t just write something off like that," he continued. “As long as it has the kind of drama that people can relate to and as long as it retains its sense of humour and fun Coronation Street will go on into eternity." The actor explained that he has "no plans to retire or do anything revolutionary". "I like being Ken Barlow," he said. "I like being a part of the Coronation Street family and success story so I have no plans to call it a day."