Ken Barlow actor gets Guinness World Records award as longest serving soap star

William Roache is the longest running TV soap star, according to Guinness World Records (AJ Dean/ITV Studios)

William Roache has been presented with the Guinness World Record for the longest serving TV soap star in the world for his six decades in Coronation Street.

The actor, 88, debuted as Ken Barlow in the first episode of the ITV soap, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary on December 9, and remains the longest running TV soap opera in the world.