How old is Barbara Knox and when did she join Coronation Street? – The Sun | The Sun
IT'S FAIR to say Coronation Street just wouldn't be the same without Rita Sullivan.
Played by the legendary Barbara Knox, the actress is one of the most iconic stars on the ITV soap.
How old is Barbara Knox?
Barbara Knox was born Barbara Brothwood in Oldham, Lancashire on September 30, 1933.
The star first worked as a telegraphist in the Post Office after leaving school.
This was followed by a number of other jobs before making her professional acting stage debut in 1962 with The Boyfriend at Oldham Rep.
Barbara then went on to appear in TV shows such as George and the Dragon, Feel the Width and Never Mind the Quality before joining Coronation Street.
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When did Barbara Knox join Coronation Street?
Barbara first appeared in Coronation Street as Rita Littlewood in 1964.
She was initially on the soap for one episode before returning in January 1972 as Rita Bates, after marrying Harry Bates.
Actress Barbara is the second longest cast member after Bill Roache – he beats her, as he was in the very first episode of Corrie in December 1960.
Who is Rita Sullivan?
When Barbara's character first appeared on the soap in 1964 for one episode, she was an exotic dancer called Rita Littlewood who had nipped into the Rovers for a drink.
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Eight years later the actress was invited back, and her role had been developed.
This time she was going by Rita Bates, the wife of building site driver Harry Bates.
Over the years, Rita's surname has changed multiple times, due to her many husbands.
She went on to marry Len Fairclough in 1977, Ted Sullivan in 1992 and Dennis Tanner in 2012.
However, Rita is probably best known for running Coronation Street's local newsagents, The Kabin.
Is Barbara Knox married and does she have children?
Barbara has been married twice.
She wed her first husband, Denis Mullaney, in 1956 in Oldham.
The couple had three children – Maxine, John and Amanda – but divorced in 1977.
Barbara married her second husband John Knox in 1977, before divorcing in 1994.
What has Barbara Knox said about being in Coronation Street?
To celebrate Barbara's incredible legacy on the soap, and also a milestone birthday, the actress took part in a documentary called Barbara Knox At 90.
On the ITV doc, she talks about her first day on Corrie.
Barbara recalls: “I was so terrified. Bill Roache was there as Ken Barlow and he’s stood there saying whatever he’s saying and I’m shaking.
“I lost my voice. Nerves.
“But Pat Phoenix (Elsie Tanner) was marvellous.
“She said, ‘It’s just nerves, you’ll be fine tomorrow when we’re in the studio’ — and I was.
“It was so magical and they were wonderful to me, made me very welcome and looked after me.
“I was very fortunate — I only had a short contract, three or four more episodes, but thank God somebody said after all that, ‘We’ll keep her in it’.”
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