After 53 years, is Corrie’s Rita at end of her Street?

SHE first appeared on Coronation Street more than 50 years ago – but it appears that the final credits are ready to roll on Barbara Knox’s role as Rita Tanner.

She is to be killed off after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, according to reports yesterday.

The shock for viewers of the ITV soap is expected in October after Rita forgets to go to a wedding.

‘It has been suggested she has dementia, but she does not,’ a source told The Sun. ‘In fact she will be diagnosed with a tumour

and her doctors will say there is a serious risk she will die if they don’t remove it. All the indications are that this will end tragically.’ Mrs Knox, 83, made her Street debut in the show’s black-andwhite days in 1964 before becoming a fixture...