Barbara Knox has played Rita Tanner for several decades on Coronation Street
How old is Rita in Coronation Street? Fans gobsmacked after learning real age(Image: ITV/Coronation Street)
Rita Tanner is a soap legend on Coronation Street but how old is the character?
The cobbles icon, played by Barbara Knox, made her debut way back in 1964. Since then, Rita has become one of the soap’s beloved characters.
And it’s fair to say The Kabin owner Rita has had her share of big storylines too over the years. From a brain tumour diagnosis to being involved in the epic tram crash stunt, her time in Weatherfield has not been short of drama.
Her love life too, has often been the talk amongst viewers. She has had three husbands during her stint – Len Fairclough (Peter Adamson) Ted Sullivan (William Russell) and Dennis Tanner (Phillip Lowrie).
Rita is a soap legend
What’s more, Rita also holds the record for receiving more marriage proposals than any other character, a whopping 15 from 12 different men. And over on the soap recently both fans, and Rita, were left emotional when her adopted daughter Jenny Bradley (Sally Ann Matthews) left Weatherfield 40 years since her debut.
Meanwhile, it appears some fans have been left curious about the age of Rita. The character was born 25TH February 1932 meaning she will be 94 in just a few days. Meanwhile actor Barbara was born 30th September 1933 and will be turning 93 later this year.
Her real age has left fans floored
Reacting to her 92nd birthday last year, one person gushed on a Coronation Street Facebook fan page: “Still looking brilliant.” Another person chimed in: “Looking incredible for her age.” Echoing their thoughts, a third said: “Still gorgeous still amazing in Corrie.”
Meanwhile last year, legends William Roache and Barbara opened up about their soap future, after accepting the Outstanding Contribution to Television Award at the Variety Awards.
She joined Corrie back in 1964(Image: (Image: ITV))
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Following the award, the pair both insisted they would not be leaving the show anytime soon, despite their combined 118 years on the show. When asked if they had plans to retire, both said they weren’t thinking about that as an option.
In fact, it was the work that kept them feeling young. The nonagenarians were asked what they do to feel young and Barbara responded: “Well honestly, I think we’ve had the opportunity to work, that’s the greatest thing.
“I don’t want to and I know Bill doesn’t want to retire, because stimulus from your brain gets you up. So we’re fortunate to have been able to do that.”
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX
