Coronation Street shines a spotlight on Rita Tanner tonight as the cobbles celebrate her birthday, and viewers have one question in mind: how old is she now? The episode puts Rita at the heart of the action in The Rovers Return, turning her milestone into a talking point both on screen and off.
Rita’s Birthday Brings The Street Together
In the latest episode of Coronation Street, it is confirmed that Rita Tanner is now 93 years old. The celebration unfolds in The Rovers, where Ken Barlow joins the gathering and the group embrace the occasion with sparkly hats and tiaras.
However, the party mood does not last long. Instead of focusing on Rita and her remarkable milestone, the men begin discussing the recent spate of thefts on the street. Rita quickly grows frustrated that the conversation drifts toward crime rather than her birthday. Adam Barlow also drops by to wish her well.
He warmly says happy birthday, but when Mary Taylor tries to persuade him to wear a party cone and flirts with him, he decides not to join the group and makes a polite exit. While Rita celebrates turning 93 in Weatherfield, Barbara Knox, who has played her since 1964, is 92 in real life.
Despite appearing in only 23 episodes last year, Knox has made her position clear about continuing in the role.bIn 2023, she addressed the subject directly and said, “If they’re listening. I don’t want to retire.” Her words left little room for doubt about her commitment to the character.
More Time In Coronation Street?
Sally Ann Matthews, who plays Jenny Bradley, revealed the following year that Knox has made it known she would like more scenes. Matthews explained that Knox prefers filming in The Kabin with Mary, Brian, and Sally Metcalfe rather than appearing mainly in The Rovers with characters she does not usually interact with.
As Coronation Street marks Rita’s birthday tonight, the episode confirms that she is 93 and still very much part of the fabric of Weatherfield. With Barbara Knox determined to continue, Rita’s presence on the cobbles looks set to carry on well beyond this latest celebration. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street spoilers.