Having graced the cobbles of Coronation Street since the first episode was aired in 1960, William Roache is one of the nation’s favourite actors. But did you know that he’s also a regular visitor to Hitchin? We spoke to him to find out more...

Q What’s your connection with Hitchin?

A Michael Leary is a director of Hitchin-based Debt Solutions Ltd. He and I have known each other for years, so when he invited me to become fellow director, I was more than happy to get involved. Debt Solutions has a great reputation and the lowest fee charges of any debt management company in the UK. My role in the business is to raise awareness of what we can do to help people who have tumbled into the misery of a debt situation often through no fault of their own.

Q So do you visit Hitchin often?

A Yes, usually two or three times a year. After leaving the motorway, I always enjoy the drive there because of the beautiful scenery surrounding the town. Hitchin itself is a lovely place with plenty of character  I really like its old buildings and the Market Square, right in the centre.

Q Moving on to Corrie, how does it feel to be the world’s longest-serving soap star?

A It’s a great source of pride to me that the show has been running for over 47 years. Although the hours are often very long, I do get tremendous job satisfaction from playing my onscreen character, Ken Barlow. So while the show still wants me and while I can still do it, retiring is definitely not an option!

Q What was your best storyline?

A Well, with 23 girlfriends and three wives so far, there’s plenty to choose from! Much of the show’s success, of course, is down to the quality of the script writing, it can be very hard to integrate comedy and tragedy, but Coronation Street does this to perfection, time after time. One of my favourite storylines was when Ken was a male escort, but I think the love triangle between Deirdre, Mike and Ken is the one that really gripped the nation.

Q How do you like to spend your free time?

A The demands of my work schedule mean that I haven’t been able to play much golf lately, and my handicap has sadly floated up from 11 to 17. Writing my autobiography, Soul on the Street, was quite an undertaking, but I enjoyed describing the many different events that have helped to shape my spirituality. I enjoy being at home with my wife, Sara, and our four Jack Russells, Cindy, Oliver, Harry and Poppy. The dogs are little monsters but full of fun so, as you can imagine, taking them all out for a walk can be a bit of a nightmare!