General Chat

Just heard on the radio that Barbara Knox who plays Rita - is leaving Corrie Street

Liz

Well that is very sad, she is a wonderful actress and has given us all some great Corrie memories. Is she retiring? if so I think it is well deserved and I hope she enjoys every single minute of her "Me time".

Lainey xx

Thanks for letting us know Liz......and I agree with what you say Lainey, I have always enjoyed the part she plays as Rita.......and used to love the interaction with Mavis in the corner shop......

I have wondered for a long time how long she would continue as she must be in her 70's now, and deserves some work free time.......I see that Bill Roach who plays Ken Barlow is having a break after the death of his wife.......and he carried on with the storyline to keep him going.....

sally

Yes both Barbara Knox and bill roach are in their 70s, I suppose it is inevitable that they would give up at some time. It must be a very gruelling schedule. Barbara will be much missed she is a great actress.

Awww that's a shame - I love her one-liners and put downs to Norris lol


Could this be why his brother has come into it - will he run the shop with Norris ??? hmmmm

McAnne - possibly not. I have read this morning that 'Rita' makes her retirement speech at the WAKE of Ramsey. So, looks as if he is going to die.
Julia in Derbyshire

It is a shame she is going but understand her decision
Also remember her with Len Fairclough
Liz

Yes, I did read somewhere that Norris' brother had turned up because he is very ill, possibly dying.
Ah well, it was a nice diversion wasn't it?
And Rita leaving was bound to happen eventually.
I noticed that she has put on a lot of weight recently, do you think she may be ill?

Thanks Barbara, for all the fun over the years.
Deanna X

Deanna, I too had noticed that Barbara Knox had put on alot of weight, not in her face as much as around her body. All is cleverly disguised by the clothes she wears, and the position she stands behind the counter.
Julia in Derbyshire

She'll be missed
It's hard to believe she's 76 this September.

Had not realised she would be 76 this year.
Wish her well for the future
Liz

I've just read the following statement on Coronation Street website:-

Published: Wed, 15 Jul, 2009,

The rumour-mill went into over-drive this morning after reports that Rita Sullivan will be retiring from her beloved Kabin after 36 years. Don't worry Corrie fans, it's not true!

Corrie bosses told us: "We’d like to reassure viewers that this has been blown out of proportion by a newspaper."

Even better, they also informed us that the storyline will be an opportunity for more comedy action from our favourite double act, Rita and Norris, as Norris wants to buy Rita's share of the newsagents.

The spokesman said: "We don’t want to spoil the storyline for viewers, but rest assured Rita will not be permanently quitting the Kabin at all. Rita and Norris are a fabulous double act behind the counter and we know viewers love watching them. But there is also some great comedy to be had along the way as Rita ponders whether or not to let Norris buy her out.”