Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow has been a firm favourite on the cobbles for over 60 years and it seems the soap legend could be about to embark on a new romance
Joe Crutchley Screen Time Reporter
14:58, 31 Oct 2025
ITV Coronation Street Ken’s new love interest ‘unveiled’ 10 years after Deirdre’s death(Image: IT)
Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow, a true legend of the cobbles, might be on the brink of a new love affair, if fan theories are to be believed.
The iconic character, portrayed by William Roache, has been a constant presence in Weatherfield since his first appearance in 1960 when the actor was just 28 years old – and he quickly became a beloved figure among viewers.
As the longest-standing character on the soap, Ken has been at the heart of numerous major plotlines, and it’s safe to say that this ladies’ man from Weatherfield has arguably had the most colourful romantic history.
Over the years, Ken has courted many women and walked down the aisle four times. In 1962, he tied the knot with Valerie Tatlock (Anne Reid), who tragically died from an electric shock at home. His next wife was Janet Reid (Judith Barker), whom he married in 1972, reports the Daily Star.
Ken was married to Deirdre for years(Image: ITV)
Never one to sit idle, Ken is also the father of four children: Lawrence (Linus Roache), Susan, Peter Barlow (Joanna Foster) and Daniel (Rob Mallard), as well as his adopted daughter Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford).
However, it’s his on-again, off-again marriage to Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride) that Ken is perhaps best remembered for. The couple were together intermittently over several years and exchanged vows twice, in 1981 and 2005.
She sadly died in 2015(Image: ITV)
Sadly, Deirdre passed away in 2015, leaving Ken devastated. She was due to return home on her 60th birthday, but instead, her friend arrived to deliver the heartbreaking news to Ken and Tracy that Deirdre had died that morning.
Now, however, soap enthusiasts are speculating that a surprising new romance could be on the horizon for Ken, as he seems poised to find love once more – and it’s with a fellow resident of the cobbles.
Fans have predicted a Ken and Maggie romance
On a Coronation Street Facebook fan page, some fans have speculated that the new character Maggie Driscoll (played by Pauline McLynn) could be Ken’s next romantic interest.
In Friday’s episode (October 31), the two characters met for the first time at Ken’s house when his granddaughter Amy Barlow (portrayed by Elle Mulvaney) offered to lend Maggie a bowl for a Halloween party.
However, noticing a spark between Brenda and Ken, one viewer commented: “Ken and Maggie romance looming then.” Another agreed, saying: “I thought this.” Echoing their sentiments, another wrote: “Go on Ken!” A fourth chimed in with: “That would be a sweet relationship!”.
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX
