[Scarlett.]

Ken is leaving the street, but not the show

Millions of Coronation Street fans were shocked tonight to see Ken Barlow make the heartbreaking decision to leave the cobbles for pastures new.

After much soul searching Ken decided the time has come to leave Number 1 Coronation Street, the house that has been home for most of his life.

Just before the credits rolled on the historical 10000th episode of the world’s longest running drama serial, the man who was in the very first episode in 1960 bid a fond farewell to his ‘old friend’ the cobbles to move away with girlfriend Claudia Colby.

But fans needn’t worry that this is the last they will see of him, actor William Roache is not leaving the show.

Ken will move out of number one and away from the Street but future episodes will follow Ken and Claudia’s new life at Still Waters Luxury retirement complex, whilst back in Weatherfield Tracy and Peter Barlow will battle over who gets to move into the most famous house on the street.

In Monday night’s episodes (Feb 10th) Ken and Claudia will break the news to the family about their decision to sell up and live a quieter life at Still Waters.

Tracy immediately has her eye on the prize, and despite Carla’s lack of enthusiasm Peter decides to fight his sister for the house - both of them wanting it at a knockdown price.

As Ken despairs at his warring family it confirms he is making the right decision to leave and next month viewers will see him and Claudia move into the luxurious development complete with cocktail bar, book club and even fencing lessons

Ken is delighted to discover that his old friends Norris and Freda are already settled in to life at Still Waters but when he crosses swords with fellow resident Charles, played by Michael Elwyn it looks as though there may be just as much drama as there was on the cobbles!