Coronation Street fans have been celebrating a legend of the cobbles on her birthday by remembering her most dramatic storyline, once watched by 27 million people.
Actress Barbara Knox, from Oldham, has played Rita Tanner - née Littlewood, and previously Fairclough and Sullivan - in the ITV soap, which is filmed in Salford, for more than 50 years.
She initially made a one-off appearance as the exotic dancer Rita Littlewood in 1964 before returning as a full-time cast member eight years later, after which she became well known as the owner of 'The Kabin', taking over in 1973, and was joined by her many sidekicks, including other Corrie legends Mavis Riley and Norris Cole.
Rita's three husbands and 15 proposals
Rita has also had three husbands over the years - Len Fairclough, Ted Sullivan and Dennis Tanner - and holds the record for receiving more marriage proposals than any other character, a whopping 15 from 12 different men.
But as Barbara celebrated her 93rd birthday on Wednesday (September 30), it was Rita's storyline with Alan that Corrie fans were remembering.
The dramatic 1989 Blackpool scenes
Who can forget back in 1989, when thuggish Alan secretly mortgaged Rita's house to pay for his business and assaulted her when she found out. Alan then met his end in Blackpool when he was hit by a tram while chasing Rita through the seaside resort.
The dramatic scenes were watched by millions. Recalling the dramatic scenes, @8090Throwbacks posted on X (formerly Twitter): "A very Happy 93rd Birthday to Coronation Street legend Barbara Knox. In December 1989, over 27 million viewers tuned in to watch the episode where her abusive ex-partner, Alan Bradley, was struck and killed by a Blackpool Tram."
@sam_Fletcher78 replied: "Iconic episode! #corrie Happy birthday Barbara!" @bredrew2 shared: "Happy Birthday to THEE Barbara Knox!!! #Corrie." @lewispringle posted: "Wishing the fabulous Barbara Knox a happy 93rd birthday today. Rita is the Queen of Coronation Street and long may she reign! #corrie." @Sjl170 added: "Happy birthday to the legendary Barbara Knox. 93 years young today #Corrie."
