Ken Barlow was suffering from a nasty cough in tonight's Coronation Street - but his condition is about to get a lot worse.
The much-loved character, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, started spluttering while getting ready for Sinead Tinker's funeral.
Ken continued to feel unwell and stayed at home with Claudia instead of making an appearance at Sinead's wake.
Worried Corrie viewers voiced their concerns for Ken's health - and we will soon discover he has been struck down with pneumonia.
Ken will be rushed to hospital, in scenes that imitate real-life as actor Bill Roache was hospitalised with the killer disease just days before his 80th birthday in 2012.
Ken first started coughing at the beginning of the episode, but told concerned Peter he was "fine".
He started spluttering again while waiting for Daniel and Beth to arrive with Bertie before leaving for the funeral.
When Claudia asked if he was sure he was fine, Ken nodded and whispered: "I'm alright."
However, he could be heard coughing during the funeral, then Peter revealed his cold had got worse so Claudia was keeping an eye on him at home.
Ken takes a drastic turn for the worse in future episodes when Peter tells Adam that Ken has been rushed to hospital.
With the family all fearful - could this really be the end of the great Kenneth Barlow?
Taking to Twitter , one concerned viewer said: "What's up with Ken? He's been coughing loads recently."
"£10 says Ken will end up with a serious illness," added another.
A third said: "How come no one noticed or cared that Ken is unwell?!
"Please go and see a doctor Ken," said a fourth.
Actor Bill spent a few days recovering at home after he was rushed to hospital with the killer disease following a speaking tour of Canada.
A source close to Bill told The People: “Everyone was concerned for him but he’s such a battler and he never lets anything get a hold of him.
“Pneumonia can be a killer for older people but Bill has always taken care of his health and well-being and that’s why he’s in such remarkable shape.
“He’s planning a party to celebrate his 80th birthday and wild horses wouldn’t keep him away from that. He can’t wait to be with his family and friends.”
At the time, a spokeswoman for Bill said the actor was on the mend at his house in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
She said: “Bill is currently at home recovering from pneumonia. It isn’t ideal, especially with his 80th birthday coming up. But he is doing very well and feeling much better now.”
*Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV at 7.30pm and 8.30pm
