In 50 Years on the Street: My Life with Ken Barlow , William Roache reflects on half a century of treasured memories accumulated during his time working on the long-running soap. He revisits the programme's most memorable moments and ponders the secret of its success while exploring the history of the show from its very early days of live broadcasts to the current demands of the Street's schedule. Roache reveals what it is like to have played the perennially popular role of Ken Barlow since the very first episode in December 1960 and reflects upon the actors he has worked with during the past 50 years, using his unique perspective to provide insights and anecdotes galore. 50 Years on the Street: My Life with Ken Barlow is a celebration of William Roache's acting career following a year that marked a very special anniversary both for him and for Coronation Street .