legend Barbara Knox is barely recognisable in a resurfaced vintage photo. The actress, famed for her role as Rita Tanner in the soap, has been a fixture in the public eye since her early 30s. While most know her from her on-screen persona, she began her career treading the boards. Two years prior to her debut, she made her first stage appearance in The Boyfriend.
In the glamorous image, Barbara looks strikingly different from her familiar soap character. The monochrome snapshot of the now 91-year-old depicts her on stage during a theatre performance. It seems Barbara experienced a minor wardrobe mishap on stage when her dress zip malfunctioned.
With a broad smile on her face, the actress appears to find the situation amusing while attempting to rectify the issue. Captured in Autumn 1964, Barbara’s hair is noticeably shorter than fans are accustomed to, though the voluminous style remains consistent.
The photo was taken just months before she graced for a brief period at the start of December, before becoming a permanent fixture in the 1970s. In another nostalgic photo, the actress is seen in character as Rita Fairclough, then married to Len Fairclough (portrayed by Peter Adamson) reports .
Barbara Knox on stage in 1964 (Image: (Image: Getty))
Sporting a ’70s-inspired up-do, her character is pictured working at the Kabin, donning a vibrant patterned shirt beneath a black sweater vest. Impeccably glamorous as always, Rita dons blue eyeshadow, expertly shaped eyebrows, and pink lipstick complementing her outfit.
Barbara is one of the most enduring residents of the soap, trailing just behind the iconic Kenneth Barlow, played by William Roache.
is about to celebrate its 64th anniversary, with Ken Barlow remaining the sole Weatherfield cast member from the original lineup. Yet Barbara seemingly has no intention of bidding farewell to Weatherfield any time soon.
During an ITV exclusive celebrating her remarkable 90th birthday last year, Barbara reflected on her storied tenure in the soap. She expressed: “Unbelievable really, isn’t it? How the years have gone and what we’ve crammed into the years.”
Barbara Knox as Rita Tanner in the 1970s (Image: (Image: Getty))
She continued: “How fortunate I have been, in being in the Street for about 50 or 60 of them. I’ve lost track. So wonderful, really I’ve been very fortunate. I can’t believe all these years have gone by and I’m looking at 90.”
Strikingly, she concluded with a message for those at the top: “I can’t believe that. And if they’re listening. I don’t want to retire.” Last year, ITV aired a special show paying tribute to Barbara, which included kind words from her co-stars.
One of which includes the long-running cast member Bill Roache. He said: “There is a lot to say about Barbara. She’s one of the strong matriarchal characters of a matriarchal show. If she was nervous you wouldn’t have known it [on first day] you just couldn’t see that.
Barbara Knox has played Rita Tanner in Coronation Street for decades (Image: (Image: ITV))
“She just looked so beautiful. And so relaxed. Impeccable was the word that comes to mind. She’s just lovely to work with. Happy birthday Barbara, 90 y’know is still very young!”
Actress Dolly Rose-Campbell, who plays Gemma Winter in the ITV soap, also praised the actress. She commented: “She is an amazing singer. Sometimes when she comes in, in the morning, she will just break into song when she comes into the corridor.
“So Jane will put some old fashioned music on like a show tune or something and she’ll start singing, Barbara, and we join in. It’s a really good feelgood way to start your day. I would be gutted if she retired.”
continues Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV from 8pm.