Coronation Street icon Barbara Knox, who has played Rita Tanner for over five decades, has insisted she has no plans to retire after celebrating her 90th birthday. The actress, recognised as the world's longest-serving female TV soap star, said in a rare interview: 'Unbelievable really isn't it? How the years have gone. And what we've crammed into the years and how fortunate I have been... I don't want to retire.'
Knox's milestone is marked by a special ITV documentary this week, in which she chats with former co-star Bradley Walsh. The programme sees her break down in tears as she recalls fond memories of Blackpool, where she watched her parents dance in the ballroom. She credits those early holidays with inspiring her love of showbusiness: 'Back in the day, Blackpool was the place to go... There was something for everybody.'
Born in Oldham, Knox began acting after a neighbour took her to tap dancing classes. She later performed in amateur theatre before joining Oldham Rep and becoming a full-time actress. Her first Coronation Street appearance was a one-off in 1964, but she returned permanently in 1972. Her character Rita has survived three marriages, a brain tumour, and two tram crashes, including the infamous 1989 incident that killed her abusive ex-partner Alan Bradley.
Reflecting on that storyline, Knox said: 'It was so dramatic. One of the greatest storylines ever... It's never been done before.' Despite her age, she remains committed to the cobbles, adding: 'If they're listening, I don't want to retire.'
