Secrets, scandal, and soap legends collide—both on-screen and off—as Coronation Street finds itself at the center of reality TV drama, thanks to Celebrity Big Brother contestant Jack P Shepherd. In a jaw-dropping moment that sent ripples of laughter through the house, the David Platt actor shared a personal story involving none other than soap icon William Roache.

While chatting with EastEnders legend Patsy Palmer about the titans of UK soap, Jack casually revealed that even after 25 years of working side by side, William Roache—now a staggering 93 years old—still calls him by his character’s name, “David.” That’s right: the line between fiction and reality is beautifully blurred for one of television’s most beloved figures.

The revelation came amidst a conversation about longevity in soap roles, with Patsy mentioning June Brown’s (Dot Cotton) impressive run on EastEnders. Jack countered with the fact that William Roache is not only older but still filming major storylines for Coronation Street. His fellow housemates were stunned—and soon left in stitches when Jack joked that Bill could’ve died during their time in the Big Brother house and no one would’ve known.

Reassuring them that William was alive and thriving, Jack then launched into an uncanny impersonation of the soap legend, capturing his voice and presence with both affection and amusement. The moment gave fans a rare peek behind the curtain, showing the warmth, oddities, and enduring connections that form on long-running shows.

Meanwhile, on the cobbles of Weatherfield, Ken Barlow has been battling his own demons—of the human kind. In one of the soap’s most twisted recent arcs, Ken nearly fell victim to a cruel plot by his carer, Cassie Plummer. Playing the part of a devoted caregiver, Cassie was secretly poisoning Ken, deliberately keeping him unwell so she could remain indispensable—and employed.

As Ken’s health deteriorated, Cassie took things further, stealing from him while maintaining a façade of concern. But the Barlow patriarch isn’t easily fooled. When he uncovered her treachery, the fallout was swift and devastating. Cassie was publicly outed and shunned by the community, while Ken—though shaken—emerged victorious and healthy once more.

The storyline echoed real-world fears about elder abuse and manipulation, handled with the gravitas fans have come to expect from William Roache’s performances. His enduring presence continues to anchor the show, offering both familiarity and depth to new generations of viewers.

Jack P Shepherd’s lighthearted revelation adds yet another layer to Roache’s legacy, showing how deeply his portrayal of Ken Barlow is embedded in the minds of cast and audience alike. For Roache, the line between actor and character is barely noticeable—perhaps even irrelevant. And for Jack, being called “David” for a quarter-century is just part of the job.

In the ever-dramatic world of Coronation Street, the stories never stop—whether on camera or behind the scenes. From poisoned teacups to identity blurs, it’s clear that when it comes to drama, the Street delivers both fiction and fact with flair.