Coronation Street fans were shocked recently to see Weatherfield original Ken Barlow make the decision to leave the famous cobbles to move somewhere else.
Ken, played by William Roache, decided the time has come to leave his home on Coronation Street and just before the credits rolled on the 10,000th episode of the world’s longest-running soap on Friday, the character bid adieu and with plans to move away with lady friend Claudia Colby.
But don't fear Corrie fans, because Ken, who was in the first ever episode of the soap back in 1960, is leaving the street, but not the show itself, Manchester Evening News report.
Ken will no longer reside at number one in Manchester's most famous street, as he and Claudia move in at Still Waters Luxury retirement complex - with the show keeping regular tabs on them.
Back in Weatherfield, a battle will ensue between children Peter and Tracy over who will get to move into the property Ken has called home for 60 years.
Last night's (Monday) episodes saw Ken and Claudia breaking the news about their decision to sell up and live a quieter life at Still Waters.
William said: “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.
"He doesn’t want to make the same mistake again and Claudia is very persuasive."
He added: "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 one after all this time.”
Next month viewers will see the pair move to the luxurious development where residents can enjoy a cocktail bar, book club and fencing lessons - plus old pals Norris and Freda are already living at the complex.
Coronation Street continues Wednesday on ITV at 7.30pm, with a second episode at 8.30pm.
