Barbara Knox, who plays Rita Tanner in ITV's Coronation Street, has celebrated a major birthday, with fans left astonished by her real age and sharing birthday wishes.
Fans React to Barbara Knox's Age
On a Coronation Street Facebook fan page, one person wrote: "Happy 93rd Birthday to Barbara Knox's aka Rita. Have a lovely day."
Flocking to the comments section, fans were amazed by her actual age, with one person writing: "Still going strong on Corrie keep it up ,love your acting." Another added: "Looking incredible for her age." A third chimed in: "A beautiful lady."
Barbara Knox's Coronation Street History
Barbara first appeared on the enduring ITV soap back in 1964 as Rita Tanner. Since her arrival, Rita has established herself as one of the programme's most cherished and recognisable characters.
The Kabin proprietor has experienced her portion of major storylines throughout the decades, from receiving a brain tumour diagnosis to featuring in the memorable tram crash stunt. Her romantic history has also frequently sparked discussion amongst viewers, having been married three times during her tenure - to Len Fairclough (Peter Adamson), Ted Sullivan (William Russell) and Dennis Tanner (Phillip Lowrie).
Barbara first took on the part of Rita Littlewood in Coronation Street on 2 December 1964, playing an exotic dancer and friend of Dennis Tanner for just one episode. She returned as a permanent cast member in January 1972 as Rita Bates, becoming a beloved and familiar fixture in the soap.
Recognition and 60th Anniversary Reflection
In 2010, Barbara received an MBE for her services to drama and has collected multiple accolades for her performance as Rita, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Soap Awards.
To commemorate the soap's 60th anniversary, she reflected on her initial appearance on set. In a clip shared on Twitter from the Rovers Return, she said: "I want to tell you a bit about it, and I want to tell you I started right here, on this spot, all those years ago as Rita Littlewood."
"I'd come to sing at the Viaduct Club, but I had no digs so I came in here and Stan Ogden - Hilda Ogden's husband - was very kind to me and said, 'Sit down love and get her a drink, and Dennis Tanner will be here in a few minutes and he's the manager of the Viaduct Club, he'll find somewhere for you.'"
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
