Something quietly momentous is brewing on the Coronation Street set, which centers on one of the show’s most beloved figures. Over five decades from her first major storyline, the actress behind a Weatherfield legend still shapes the show’s future. We are talking about none other than Rita Tanner, aka Barbara Knox. It’s hard to imagine the cobbles without Rita Tanner, and it turns out fans won’t have to anytime soon.
Coronation Street Enduring Star Keeps the Cobble Spirit Alive
Year after year, Rita‘s storylines have captured the nation‘s attention, from suffering at the hands of abuse by Alan Bradley and watching him make his gruesome death beneath a Blackpool tram to a life-threatening scare over a brain tumor that left viewers in a state of great anxiety.
Viewers have come to love Rita not only as a character but as one of the family. The affection she adds to the Kabin, the advice she dispenses at the Rovers, and the heritage she maintains make her more than a mere cast member — she is Weatherfield royalty.
Barbara herself has spoken about the enormity of her time on the show. In a 90th birthday special in 2023, she confessed to former co-star Bradley Walsh that she couldn’t believe how fast the years had passed. She pointed out just how much she and the programme had been able to cram in over the decades.
Reflecting on her career, she expressed tremendous gratitude and felt lucky to have spent almost all her working life in the same place. However, she also made her feelings clear—retirement was not on her horizon. And it seems like destiny had the same plans for her as she has reportedly signed on for another year in the ITV soap.
A New Chapter Just in Time for Big Celebration of Coronation Street
It‘s officially confirmed that Barbara Knox has signed an extension to her contract for another year. So, we can assume that Rita Tanner will be part of the soap’s 65th anniversary later this year. She said she signed the new contract earlier this year, and both she and ITV bosses are delighted with the move. A source revealed that Barbara‘s affection for the show continues unabated, as does her relationship with the cast and crew.
It’s also been said that the 91-year-old star makes approximately £200,000 a year from her role—a reflection not just of her status but of the lasting appeal she continues to bring to the soap. Although her appearances on screen have become less frequent, her impact hasn’t disappeared.
Still Weatherfield’s Beating Heart After 50+ Years
Off the cobbles, Barbara hasn‘t been resting on her laurels. Indeed, she was in the headlines last year after becoming one of the oldest people attending Manchester Pride. She was on the Alan Turing Stage with drag artist Belinda Scandal and Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mark Llewellin. All three of them paid tribute to her by giving her the very first ‘icon‘ award from Your Manchester Live.
Barbara delivered an emotional speech and expressed that it had been a wonderful journey. She fondly recalled her 1964 debut and how a full decade passed before she was asked to return. She even surprised the audience with a heartfelt rendition of We’ll Meet Again. Her performance has proved that Rita and Barbara remain national treasures.
And as for Manchester‘s gay village, she termed it “a little bit of paradise,” demonstrating just how attuned her spirit is to the eclectic and lively community she represents on and off television. With Coronation Street‘s 65th birthday in December, viewers can be sure that Barbara Knox will be at the centre of it. We will keep you posted about all soap and celebrity updates on Soap Opera Daily. Stay tuned!
