CORONATION Street fans were left gobsmacked earlier this month when Ken Barlow announced he was leaving the cobbles after eighty years to go and live in a luxury retirement village called Still Waters.
Now we can reveal the first look at the amazing property that Ken – who is played by Bill Roache will be calling home.
Images show the actor, 87, filming at Colshaw Hall Country estate alongside Macolm Heben (Norris) and Rula Lenska (Claudia), who will also be living there.
They will be living in the lap of luxury at the incredible venue as it comes complete with a cocktail bar, book club and even fencing lessons.
In real life the 300 acre estate is a stunning and exclusive wedding venue, which can cost anything between 3,500 and 12,000.
Ken was the only remaining character from the first episode of the soap that will celebrate its 60th anniversary in December.
During an emotional episode full of reminiscing and strolls down memory lane, Ken struggled with the decision of whether to move with Claudia.
But after a frank discussion about regrets with old pals Rita and Audrey, Ken came to his decision and decided to say goodbye to the cobbles.
Walking Eccles down the deserted street he said: “Eighty years too late but finally time to go. Goodbye old friend.”
Norris who has only been an occasional guest star ever since the actor suffered ill health in 2017- will be returning to show and moving into next to Ken alongside his wife Freda.#
Actor Bill recently said it was a “big decision” for Ken, who regretted not taking earlier opportunities to leave the street.
He said: “Filming that final scene of the episode was very poignant, just Ken and Eccles (his pet dog) and the cobbles.
“He breaks the news to the family next week and they are surprised but very soon Peter and Tracy start squabbling over who will be given first refusal on the house.
“We have already started filming at the retirement complex and I am really enjoying it, it always feels different when we film away from the street.
“It seems fitting that Ken makes this decision in the 10,000th episode but it will be strange not filming in number 1 after all this time.”
