Street wise

TV SOAP legend William Roache, who has played Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow since 1960, recently divulged that he has been struggling with serious hearing difficulties for the past 50 years.

The 79-year-old has a marked hearing loss in high frequencies and finds normal conversation and speech extremely difficult to understand. Until recently — when he was fitted with digital hearing aids by Specsavers — he coped by relying on visual prompts when playing Ken Barlow on the set of Coronation Street.

“Living with hearing difficulties is a challenge,” he says, adding that his hearing has become much worse over the past few years. “I’ve found myself becoming more and more isolated as a result. Like many, I’ve simply suffered in silence, putting up with mishearing conversations and feeling left out.

“I find it hard to hear people who speak very softly. In crowded areas, where there’s background noise like in a pub, I can’t hear a thing. But I’ve got through somehow.”

Mr Roache, whose hearing was initially damaged by a mortar bomb explosion during National Service 57 years ago, was in Dublin recently to raise awareness about hearing problems.

The dad of four, whose wife, Sara, died three years ago, likes his screen character. “I’m his caretaker. Ken Barlow is a character who tries to make peace with his ever dysfunctional family. He’s a good man who’s struggling to do his best. His big failing is his women.”

What shape are you in?

Generally, very good. I enjoy life. I am very happy and vital. I don’t do any exercise but I used to be pretty sporty. I played cricket and golf.

Do you have any health concerns?

My mum lived to be 95 and my father to 82 so there are no ailments running in the family. I have a bit of acidity because I eat badly. My doctor has also said that my blood sugar is up so I’m not supposed to eat anything with sugar.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I don’t eat meat or chicken — I eat fish. I drink very little alcohol. I did my bit in the 1960s on that score. Now I just have the odd alcoholic drink.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Already today I’ve had a cake, a chocolate and sweets.

What would keep you awake at night?

Anything going wrong with my children would always be a worry. Learning lines is also getting harder and they work us hard on Coronation Street — we have to be on set from 8am to 7pm.

How do you relax?

I meditate. I try to do it every day and on Sundays I do an hour-long meditation.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Probably the Dalai Lama.

When did you last cry?

I cry quite easily, often over very happy things, like seeing a mother pushing a pram and talking to her baby. My wife died three years ago and I know she’s fine where she has gone, yet sometimes at home I can feel quite alone. But that’s crying out of self-pity, which I don’t like. Mostly I cry when I see something beautiful.

What would you change about your appearance?

My teeth. They’re strong, good and all mine but they’re sort of yellowy. I’d love white ones.

What trait do you least like in others?

Aggressiveness.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I wish I could be more caring of other people, more able to serve and help others.

Do you pray?

I pray but not in a conventional way. I’m not religious at all, but I’m very spiritual. I know there’s a creator of all things and angels and that I have a higher self. When you practise love, kindness and compassion, you’re closer to that higher self.

What would cheer up your day?

Seeing my three Jack Russells happy. I just love seeing happy animals.