Grieving Roache thanks fans for support

Coronation Street star Bill Roache has thanked fans for their support following the sudden death of his wife Sara at the age of 58.

Roache, who plays Ken Barlow on the ITV1 soap, said that he and his family have gained "great comfort and strength" from the letters and cards they have received.

The 76-year-old also expressed his gratitude to people who attended a memorial service held this week, during which he said he was the "luckiest man alive" to have had such a loving, loyal, devoted and beautiful wife.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been in touch to express their condolences and offer their support," he said.

"The memorial service was such a memorable day and exactly what we wanted it to be - a celebration of Sara's life. The feeling of love and affection in the Church was amazing. Knowing that so many people were touched by Sara's death and have offered their help and support means a great deal. Thank you."

The couple married more than 30 years ago and had grown-up children Verity, 29, and William, 23. Their second daughter Edwina died of a chest infection in 1984, aged 18 months.