Coronation Street icon Barbara Knox has reportedly signed on the dotted line for another year.
The star, 91, has played Rita Tanner in the ITV soap continuously since January 1972.
This comes following a singular guest appearance in 1964, when the character strolled onto the cobbles to perform at the Viaduct Sporting Club – Weatherfield’s answer to Liverpool’s Cavern Club.
After staying the night at Dennis Tanner’s (Phillip Lowrie) house, and kipping in his mum Elsie’s (Pat Phoenix) bed, she wouldn’t be seen again for over 7 years.
In the last 53 years, Rita has cemented herself as a Street legend, being at the centre of several high-profile storylines.
From her abusive relationship with Alan Bradley (Mark Eden) that culminated with his death after being hit by a Blackpool tram to being diagnosed with a brain tumour, the British public have become fiercely protective of our Rita.
And there’s some good news for fans – as the actress has renewed her contract for another year, meaning there’s more drama to come.
This comes after Barbara discussed the potential of retirement with former co-star Bradley Walsh, in a documentary that celebrated her 90th birthday in 2023.
‘Unbelievable really isn’t it? How the years have gone. And what we’ve crammed into the years and how fortunate I have been, in being in the Street for about 50 or 60 of them. I’ve lost track!’, she said.
‘I’ve been very fortunate. I can’t believe all these years have gone by and I’m looking at 90. I can’t believe that. And if they’re listening. I don’t want to retire.’
A source told The Mirror: ‘Barbara secured her future on Coronation Street earlier this year and both her and show bosses are delighted fans will continue to see her on screen.
‘She still loves the show and everyone involved with it – and viewers want to see Rita at the Rovers and in the Kabin for years to come. It’s a win-win situation.’
Bosses were apparently keen to have her play a big part in the forthcoming 65th anniversary celebrations, which will take place in December.
The publication also reported that the veteran actress earns around £200,000 per year for her part in the series.
Although her annual appearances have dwindled in the last five years – appearing in just 147 episodes during that time – Barbara has kept herself busy away from the show.
Last year she became one of the oldest people to appear at Manchester Pride.
Stepping onto the Alan Turing Stage alongside drag queen Belinda Scandal and Mark Llewellin, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester as part of Your Manchester Live, the pair presented her with their very first ‘icon’ award.
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Mark was also the partner of the late Roy Barraclough, who played Barbara’s co-star Alec Gilroy.
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After a tearful address to hundreds of die-hard Corrie viewers, she burst into song with a rendition of Vera Llynn’s We’ll Meet Again.
Talking about her lengthy stint, she said: ‘I thought well, god, I’m here! Then I never heard from them for 10 years.
’10 years later, I go back. And that’s just been a wonderful, wonderful journey. Let me tell you, it’s wonderful because of people like you. Absolutely the backbone of anything that the street has done.’
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She also described Manchester’s gay village, which is centred around Canal Street in the city centre, as ‘a little bit of paradise’.
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