Coronation Street star Bill Roache has insisted that he has no plans to quit the soap anytime soon.
The 88-year-old has played the part of Ken Barlow since the soap's first ever episode on December 9, 1960 and will still be on screen when it turns 60 next month.
The feat makes both Roache and Corrie world record holders - but despite Roache approaching the age of 90, he has assured fans that he wants to continue working.
"I'd still like to be in the show when I'm 90, when I'm 100 – even when I'm 120, if I can make it," he told Woman's Weekly.
"I love Coronation Street, I really do. I remember a director once saying you get scenes in it that are as good as anything you get in films, and that's true.
"It's a very happy place to be and I look forward to going into work. It's been wonderful, so while I can do it and while they want me, I'll be here.''
Roache, who has previously written about his belief that a strong mental attitude can prolong life, went on to claim that he feels that he is getting "younger every year".
"I don't buy into the idea that ageing means deterioration. It's a belief system to a large extent," he continued.
"People say, 'Oh, I've got an ache in my shoulder, it's old age, I'm getting on'. No, rubbish! If you've got an ache in your shoulder there's some reason for it, so do something about it and get rid of it.
"I remember jokingly saying when I was 70, 'I'm going to start getting younger every year.'
"But there's an element of truth in that. I don't accept that because of your age there are things you can't do. I just keep going."
The late Betty Driver currently holds the record for being the oldest regular cast member on the soap, having filmed her final scenes at the age of 90 before her death in 2011.
Neil Wilkes
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