The story behind the immortal portrait, of William Roache. Icon of Coronation Street for the 60th Anniversary.

Just like in the soaps, we all love a good homemade story. This is a real life story where a dream came true.

In late 2019, Actor Carl Reid, who is the regular postman on the cobbles, had heard that ITV was planning a 60th anniversary.

After attending a local celebrity networking event at Divine Hair & Beauty in Davenport. Carl approached his friend Michael Koropisz, fine artist and portrait painter with bags of talent. Carl had seen the fine quality and detail of Michaels work close up, and thought it would be a wonderful idea for William Roache to receive a portrait. After that chance meeting Carl asked Michael if he would he paint William’s portrait, and they discussed the time frame and the details.

After that chance meeting he delivered the idea to Angie Ryan at ITV. From there on the dream team at ITV were all on board, and as they say, the rest is history.

The 60th anniversary arrived and this amazing life sized portrait had its big reveal. unveiled on live TV on This Morning.

This real life story had a dream, a hope and in the end, a determination to get a magnificent idea off the ground.

Who would have guessed one year ago from now, something wonderful would come from a meeting of two good friends. Carl Reid and Michael Koropisz.