Recently, there have been a lot of rumors regarding the longevity of the legendary actress Barbara Knox in the show. Since she has been on the show since the 1960s, playing Rita Tanner, fans are now wondering about the meat left for her in the soap. When the legendary Sally Ann Matthews, who plays the role of Jenny Bradley, came across this question – she became so emotional that tears rolled down her eyes.
This week, Sally went live on Instagram and started chatting with her fans when she received a question about Barabra’s longevity in the show. Fans also asked her if she ever thought about Barbara Knox’s exit – instantly, we saw her blink away the tears in their eyes. After all, it’s only fair for her to feel emotional – Barbara is now 91 and has been in Tanner’s role for the last six decades.
Sally Replied Her Fans
Responding to her fans, Sally replied that Barbara, even though she is 91, is very capable of carrying out her role and will not be leaving anytime soon. She further added that Barbara doesn’t even want to retire anytime soon and hates that she isn’t getting more lines to play now. Sally can’t help but feel bad for this brilliant actress and expresses how she craves scenes that have at least a three-page part for her.
Matthews also said that Barbara isn’t comfortable doing scenes with everyone—as it happens with age. Knox now wants to do scenes with her, Peter Gunn, or maybe with Patti. But as we know, things always don’t work accordingly, and she often feels like there’s not much to do. But that doesn’t mean Coronation Street is getting rid of her anytime soon – she is very much capable of learning her lines and keeping going.
Right now, Barbara is second on the list of longest-running cast members on Corrie after William Roache, aka Ken Barlow. Even if she exits the show, I think she deserves an appropriate farewell, just like Gail, aka Helen Worth. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for all the upcoming Coronation Street updates. Do you agree with Sally? Tell us in the comments.
Will Barbara Knox retired from acting at the age of 91, or will she stay on as Rita Tanner on “Coronation Street”?
I hope Barbara Knox is not leaving that legendary British soap, and not retiring from acting.
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