Rita Sullivan Tanner (Barbara Knox)

[emerald]

I'm wondering if this is more of a depression storyline than just loneliness at Christmas? As many have pointed out, Rita is one of the most popular, outgoing characters in Corrie, with plenty of friends and honorary relatives so I can't imagine her being lonely. But watching that heartbreaking scene of her crying while looking through her photo album I'm wondering if she's also mourning times gone by and all the people she's lost (in different ways) over the years, perhaps wondering how long she has left herself. It's very realistic that this would happen to an elderly person at Christmas when you're thinking about past Christmases and "the good old days" that can never return.

[mysangry]

I'm wondering if this is more of a depression storyline than just loneliness at Christmas? As many have pointed out, Rita is one of the most popular, outgoing characters in Corrie, with plenty of friends and honorary relatives so I can't imagine her being lonely. But watching that heartbreaking scene of her crying while looking through her photo album I'm wondering if she's also mourning times gone by and all the people she's lost (in different ways) over the years, perhaps wondering how long she has left herself. It's very realistic that this would happen to an elderly person at Christmas when you're thinking about past Christmases and "the good old days" that can never return.

Yep message was well and truly played out, "let's realise how many old people are sitting alone whilst their families can't be bothered to make the effort to visit" sadly because the elderly live longer, it means their children are now getting old to, vicious circle

[lizann]

rita quits the kabin over brian and isabella

[Perdita]

https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/cor...thday-special/


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.

"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.

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.