CORONATION Street legend Bill Roache is headed for health woes on the ITV soap after his character Ken Barlow falls down the stars.
The cobbles veteran, 92, who has played Ken for 64 years, will incur an injury and need the help of a carer – sparking concern among his viewers it could be the leading to the end.
It comes as Bill – who pockets around £250,000 a year on the show – is currently battling to pay a £500,000 UK tax bill or face being made bankrupt for a second time.
The storyline also means that Bill will be able to boost his earnings as actors on the ITV soap are paid per episode.
A TV source said: “Ken has always been sprightly, so for this to happen to him is heartbreaking.
“He’s always been known as a bit of a ladies man and has had so many love interests over the years.
“It’s going to knock the wind out of him.
“Bosses are also hoping it will highlight the plight of older people and the care they need from family members when something like this happens.
“And of course it gives Bill a much needed lifeline with all his financial problems.
“Bill will spend a lot of time laid up over the next few months as Ken struggles to get over his fall.” ”
His case is expected to be heard again in the coming days.
Bill, who owns a mortgage-free home worth £900,000, was previously declared bankrupt in 1999.
In March, the High Court gave him an extra 12 weeks to sell a home to pay off the bill, which he ran up by investing in a Cayman Islands tax avoidance scheme.
A Coronation Street spokeswoman declined to comment.