Corrie breaks world records as it prepares to mark 50th birthday

The show has been recognised as the world's longest-running soap, while William Roache, who has played Ken Barlow since the first episode, is now the world's longest-serving soap actor.

The popular drama has headed into the record books following the cancellation of US series As The World Turns, which previously led the field.

Roache collected an award for the accolade at a special street party on the cobbles at Granada TV's studios, where guests and cast members were celebrating the show's half-century.

The 78-year-old actor said: "An award like this is something that creeps up behind you while you are getting on with the job – that job is Coronation Street. I'm lucky to be in it."

Roache added: "I will hold this on behalf of Team Coronation Street."

The show actually celebrates its birthday on December 9, but programme bosses were preparing for the anniversary with yesterday's party.

On screen the event will be marked with death and disaster.

And producer Phil Collinson said a special live episode could include computer-generated images. He added that viewers can expect to see "a tram crash, a death, a wedding, another death, a birth, a murder, a fire and another death".