William Roache 'ready' to return to 'Coronation Street' with soap's older cast members

Coronation Street stalwart William Roache is ready and waiting to return to the soap's set.

While the cast has returned to film the programme with social distancing in place, those over 70 are yet to return.

In an appearance on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, the Ken Barlow actor disclosed: “The over-70s haven’t been called yet. I have been told I might be called after August.

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"I hope so, we are ready and willing.”

The 88-year-old is in the group of older cast members along with stars such as 76-year-old Sue Nicholls who plays Audrey Roberts and Rita Sullivan star Barbara Knox, 86.

Roache added: “The writers are told to be inventive so I’m hoping they come up with something.”

The long-running show is addressing the coronavirus pandemic within the programme as social distancing signs can be seen around Weatherfield while residents keep their distance from each other and also can be seen wearing masks.

Back in June when Coronation Street announced filming would return, crew members over 70 were also exempt along with those with underlying health conditions.

Roache, who has starred in Corrie since it began in 1960, said he had been told there is a "wonderful camaraderie" on set among those who have returned.

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“Although they are doing distancing there’s a great feel at work, so I’m quite looking forward to that,” he remarked.

While he may not have been able to roam the cobbles as usual, the soap star has been keeping busy in lockdown as shared he is writing a book and had been learning how to draw with help from daughter Verity.