This is the narrative behind the immortal portrait of William Roache MBE, otherwise known as Ken Barlow on Coronation Street for their 60th anniversary.

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

Towards the end of 2019 actor Carl Reid, the regular postman on the cobbles had heard that ITV were planning this historic anniversary. Carl approached his friend Michael Koropisz, fine artist and portrait painter. He had seen the detail and precision of his work.

This gave Carl the idea for William Roache to have a portrait commisssioned, which would not only celebrate the 60th anniversary, but would also be a tribute to the man himself.

He delivered his idea to Angie Ryan at ITV and from there on, the dream team at ITV were on board and as they say, the rest is history.

William Roache is now listed in the Guinness World Records as the longest television star in a continuous role.

The anniversary arrived and this amazing life sized portrait had its big reveal by Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on This Morning.

Every aspect of the filming had to be meticulously assessed following the World Health Organisation and NHS guidelines, allowing this broadcast to be aired worldwide.

Who would have guessed that one year from then something wonderful would happen. Carl, the long standing postman not only delivered the mail that day, but he had a very special delivery for an exceptional man. The certificate of authenticity that validated this work of art.

This real life story. A dream, a hope and in the end a determination to get this magnificent project off the ground despite the the biggest pandemic the world has ever seen.

Signed Sealed Delivered