Barbara Knox remembers decades-long friendship with Thelma Barlow, says they never had a cross word

Barbara Knox, 91, has reflected on a decades-long friendship with former Coronation Street co-star Thelma Barlow, saying the pair never had a cross word during the 25 years they worked together on screen. The two played Rita Tanner and Mavis Wilton for more than two decades on the ITV soap. Barlow left the cobbles in 1997 after a 26-year run, while Knox continues to appear as Rita.

Knox told The Mirror about the bond that carried them through long shoots and changing storylines, saying they "help each other through it" on set. She recalled lighthearted moments from the cobbles, including a famous anecdote about rummaging at a Manchester clearance sale. She said: "If there was a sale on somewhere in one of the big places in Manchester there used to be a big tub outside with scarves in and we got banned. There is not many people who have been banned for rummaging is there! I miss her."

Industry reports have linked Knox to a continued run on Corrie. The Mirror in April reported that she had "signed a one-year deal" to remain in the role through 2026, aligning with the soap's 65th anniversary. The actress, who has played Rita since 1972, is widely viewed as a cornerstone of the program. It is thought she earns about £200,000 per year for the part.

Knox is the second-longest-serving cast member, behind William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow and is now 92. Roache is the show’s longest-serving actor, having appeared since the series began in 1960. The 65th anniversary has extra significance for producers, with Knox seen as central to celebrations and to sustaining the on-screen bond that has helped Corrie endure across generations.

The Queen's visit to the Corrie set in 2021, during the show's 60th anniversary celebrations, underscored the program's cultural reach. Barbara Knox, William Roache, Sue Nicholls and Helen Worth greeted Queen Elizabeth outside the Rovers Return, and Knox recalled how the royal visit unfolded amid COVID-era precautions. She said the monarch was attentive and engaged, noting that the set was adapting to pandemic-era distancing while remaining a hub of activity on the cobbles.

Barbara Knox first joined Coronation Street in 1964, became a regular in 1972, and has remained a fixture on the show for decades. Her ongoing presence, paired with the beloved partnership she shared with Barlow, continues to resonate with fans as Corrie navigates storytelling that honors its history while pursuing new narratives. The friendship between Knox and Barlow is frequently cited as a defining chapter of the show’s golden era and a reminder of how off-screen ties can enrich on-screen relationships for years to come.