Coronation Street's Barbara Knox gets TV special to mark 90th birthday
Coronation Street star Barbara Knox will receive an all-star celebrity special on ITV for her 90th birthday.
The Chase's Bradley Walsh will sit down with the soap icon to look back at the storied history of her character Rita Tanner — who first appeared on the soap in 1964.
Some of Barbara's closest friends and co-stars will take part in the documentary as they discuss the indelible mark she has made on British TV.
"It’s easy to throw the words ‘legend’ and ‘icon’ around, but Barbara Knox really does embody both of those terms," ITV's Head of Entertainment Commissioning, Katie Rawcliffe, said.
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"It’s a privilege to tell the story of one of British television’s most enduring stars as she celebrates a very special birthday.”
As part of an in-depth interview with Bradley, Barbara will shed new light on the earliest days of her acting career before making her first appearance on the cobbles in 1964. The actress would return as Rita in 1972, making her second only to William Roache as the longest-tenured cast member currently on the series.
Viewers will get never-before-seen insight from Barbara on filming Coronation Street's infamous tram crash storyline, plus recollections from her personal life — including being awarded an MBE in 2010.
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Barbara has won some of the most prestigious TV awards throughout her career, including a British Soap Award. She's also been nominated for a National Television Award.
The actress has frequently laughed off retirement rumours and remains a central character in the ITV series — including a huge life change in recent months where she contemplated leaving her job at The Kabin nearly 40 years after she joined the staff.
Barbara was front and center with the rest of the Corrie cast last month when ITV unveiled a new set experience for fans of the show.
This 90th birthday special will air on ITV1 and ITVX later this year.
Coronation Street airs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
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