Weatherfield ladies’ man Ken Barlow has arguably had a rather wild love life on Coronation Street
Joe Crutchley Screen Time reporter
14:53, 31 Oct 2025
Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow ‘set to find love again’ and it’s with someone younger
Coronation Street icon Ken Barlow could be on the brink of a new love affair, according to soap enthusiasts.
The iconic character, portrayed by William Roache, has been a constant presence on the cobbles since his first appearance in 1960 when the actor was just 28 years old – quickly becoming a beloved figure among viewers.
As the longest-standing character on the programme, Ken has been at the heart of numerous major plotlines, and it’s safe to say that this Weatherfield lothario 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. He then wed Janet Reid (Judith Barker) 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 to 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 enduring marriage to Deirdre (Anne Kirkbride) that Ken is perhaps most renowned for. The couple were together intermittently for 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 and delivered the heartbreaking news to Ken and Tracy that Deirdre had died that morning.
Now, soap devotees can’t help but speculate that a surprising new romance is on the horizon for Ken as he seems set 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 viewers have speculated that newcomer Maggie Driscoll (Pauline McLynn) could become his next romantic interest.
During Friday’s episode (October 31), the two characters crossed paths for the first time at his residence when Ken’s granddaughter Amy Barlow (Elle Mulvaney) offered to lend Maggie a bowl for a Halloween gathering.
Yet, noticing a potential spark between Brenda and Ken, one viewer commented: “Ken and Maggie romance looming then.” Another agreed: “I thought this.” Sharing similar sentiments, a third added: “Go on Ken!” whilst a fourth enthused: “That would be a sweet relationship!”.
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX
