World’s Longest Serving Soap Star Guinness World Record set by William Roache

William Roache is quite used to receiving the odd award now and again – but even he must have been surprised to receive TWO in the same day.

The Coronation Street legend was presented with a trophy on the show’s Granada Studios set after entering the 2011 Guinness World Records book as the world’s longest serving soap star.

Then he went to a tribute night in his honour, organised by the Variety Club, where he received the children’s charity’s Lifetime Achievement award.

The evening also gave us the chance to see 78-year-old William’s new girlfriend up close for the first time. William, whose wife Sara died last year, looked delighted to have 41-year-old TV weathergirl Emma Jesson on his arm – even if she wasn’t too keen on the ever-present paparazzi.

As she encountered a clutch of paps in full snap, she exclaimed: “Oh, I’m not used to all this” but handled the experience well, laughing as she dashed into Bolton’s Reebok Stadium to the flashing blitz.

Emma, who wore a layered voile strapless dress, is more at home hosting charity events than being a top-table guest. She told The Diary she was “honoured to share in such a lovely evening – everyone loves Bill.”

Fans joined soap stars in the 550-strong audience which included Corrie’s Vicky Entwistle in a tailored striped suit, Helen Flanagan in micro-skirt, and Katy Cavanagh in a floating long dress.

Liz Dawn, resplendent in smart gold and bronze outfit, spoke movingly about Roache as “an amazing person.” Longtime friend Stuart Hall, aged 80, paid tribute to the actor’s longevity, stating “Bill will go on for eternity.”

Corrie executive producer Kieran Roberts described him as a “consummate craftsman” and said that he always told young actors new to the Street to “go and watch Bill work” to learn their trade.

Accolades also came from veteran comedians Johnnie Casson and Cannon and Ball and there were filmed tributes from Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Ian McKellen – who said he had “fulfilled a dream” by taking a role in the soap – and the Chancellor, George Osborne who praised William’s work in his Tatton constituency as well as his genuine warmth.

Modest William, who has played Ken Barlow for 50 years, overtook Don Hastings in American soap As The World Turns which wasn’t re-commissioned.

The star said he was “overwhelmed” by the night and the kindness shown.

He stated he had been “so lucky” to be in Coronation Street. He recalled the on-set practical jokes of the late Graham Haberfield (Jerry Booth), and the sharp off-screen tongue of Margot Bryant who played mild-mannered Minnie Caldwell.

Bolton bakers Greenhalghs created a celebration cake for him featuring the iconic scene where Ken punches love rival Mike Baldwin.

“I’m going to share this with the cast,” said William. “They love a bit of cake!”