Roache "shocked" by wife's death

Bill Roache has been left shocked by the sudden and unexpected death of his wife Sara at the age of 58.

The Coronation Street star's wife, who had not been ill, died at the couple's home in Cheshire on Saturday, reports the BBC.

The couple had been married for more than 30 years and have two grown-up children. Roache, who plays Ken Barlow on the ITV soap, said: "We loved Sara very much and we are all in a state of shock. We can't believe she is no longer with us."

Bev Callard, who plays Liz McDonald, said: "She was just gorgeous, a beautiful human being. I have known her for many years and met her before I joined Corrie. We met many times at charity functions which she gave so much of her time to.

"She was heavily involved in a talent contest each year where money was raised to send disabled children on the holiday of a lifetime. She worked so hard to give something back. She was a beautiful lady, elegant with a gorgeous figure."

Show bosses have told 76-year-old Roache to take as much time as he needs off work. "William and Sara were a devoted couple and our thoughts are with William and his family at this very sad time," a spokesman said.