She first appeared in Coronation Street as an exotic dancer called Rita Littlewood in 1964, but actress Barbara Knox made such an impression that bosses never forgot her.
In 1972, Barbara was asked back and she begged Ken Dodd to release her early from his show. He kindly did and today Barbara is the longest- serving female TV soap actor in the world.To celebrate Barbara’s 90th birthday, ITV1 is paying tribute to its flame-haired star by telling her tale with tributes from her friends and colleagues.
Sue Nicholls, who plays Audrey Roberts in Corrie , says, “I love working with her, she’s such a super actress and I love her as a person.” More praise comes from William Roache, who has portrayed Ken Barlow on Coronation Street since it started in December 1960. “There’s a lot to say about Barbara,” he says. “She’s one of the strong matriarchal characters of a matriarchal show.” “She’s got this gravitas,” adds Jimmi Harkishin, who has starred as Dev Alahan since 1999. “You know when Barbara is in the scene.” During her time on Corrie , Rita has been married three times, but her defining relationships have been with her Kabin colleagues Mavis Riley (Thelma Barlow) and Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden). “We saw each other through thick and thin,” smiles Thelma, and when Thelma handed in her notice on the soap, Barbara was devastated. “Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful woman,” says Barbara of her friend. “Great to act with.
I cried when she left.” Of Barbara, Malcolm adds simply, “She is an icon.” Oldham-born Barbara was inspired to act after becoming entranced by the cinema aged just six when she started watching musicals with Fred Astaire and Betty Grable. “That’s what did me,” Barbara tells Bradley Walsh on the show.
Read more on ok.co.uk
Get the latest stars news and celebrity rumours with exclusive stories, photos, videos and interviews.
Breaking up, scandals, engagements, divorces, gossip – all you need to know about the private lives of your favorite celebs.
Get to know the latest showbiz news along with exclusive interviews and even more. All this is waiting for you on the main page 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Who, where, when, with whom, how, why and for what!? Stay tuned to know first!
Just follow us daily and we will provide you with the current news from the life of famous stars and celebrities.
Owner: SNOWLAND s.r.o.
Registration certificate 06691200
Address:
Snowland s.r.o.
16200, Na okraji 381/41, Veleslavín, 162 00 Praha 6
Czech Republic
©2024. All rights reserved.