Barbara Knox, a veteran soap star known to millions as Rita Tanner on ITV’s “Coronation Street,” has been captivating audiences with her portrayal of the iconic character for 56 years. But what do we know about her life away from the cobbles? Let’s take a closer look at her personal journey, including her two marriages and some behind-the-scenes stories that provide a glimpse of the actress behind the beloved character.
Barbara Knox first graced the cobbled streets of Weatherfield in 1964 with an initial one-off appearance as Rita Littlewood. After a brief hiatus, she rejoined the show as a full-time cast member in 1972, marking the beginning of a remarkable career that has witnessed some of the soap’s most dramatic storylines.
However, life off-screen hasn’t always been a smooth ride, as Barbara has faced her fair share of ups and downs over the past five decades. Let’s delve into some of the key moments in her life beyond the world of “Coronation Street.”
Barbara Knox’s personal life has been marked by two marriages, both of which eventually ended in divorce. Her first marriage was to Denis Mullaney in 1956. This union produced three children, adding a different dimension to Barbara’s life.
In 1977, Barbara and Denis decided to part ways, finalizing their divorce. That same year, Barbara married John Knox. This marked the beginning of her second marriage. Unfortunately, as in her first marriage, this one also ended in divorce, with the couple parting ways in 1994.
While Barbara Knox’s on-screen character, Rita, has experienced her fair share of on-screen marriages and relationships, her own journey through marriage and divorce serves as a reminder that the personal lives of actors can be just as complex as the characters they portray.
While Barbara’s character Rita Tanner is known for her warmth and charisma, in the early days of her career on “Coronation Street,” there was an off-screen incident that created tension among the cast. In 1974, just two years after she joined the show, an episode sparked some backstage discord.
The episode featured landlady Bet Lynch winning a competition, which meant that the script called for a trip to Majorca with several female cast members. Iconic characters like Hilda Ogden, Emily Bishop, Mavis Riley, Deirdre Barlow, Annie Walker, and Betty Turpin ventured to the sunny Spanish holiday hotspot for the storyline.
However, the men in the cast weren’t pleased with being left out of the trip, leading to a temporary rift between the male and female co-stars. Barbara Knox humorously shared this incident during a special celebration program for “Coronation Street’s” 60th anniversary, shedding light on the dynamics that occasionally arise behind the scenes of a beloved show.
In 2014, Barbara Knox faced legal troubles when she was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Initially pleading not guilty, Barbara later admitted to making a “terrible error of judgment.” She apologized for getting behind the wheel after a lunchtime session with her daughter, Maxine Ashcroft. The incident raised eyebrows and generated headlines in the media.
District Judge Bridget Knight presided over her case and conveyed the significance of the situation. Barbara Knox, who was 81 years old at the time, received a one-year driving ban, a £3,000 fine, and was ordered to pay costs of £1,750. This episode serves as a reminder that even well-known public figures are not immune to the consequences of their actions.
While Barbara Knox’s off-screen life has had its share of dramatic moments, her long-standing commitment to “Coronation Street” remains a testament to her passion for her craft. She has repeatedly expressed her intention to continue working and has stated her aversion to the idea of retiring. As she continues to captivate audiences as Rita Tanner, her life beyond the cobbles reminds us that even the most enduring and beloved characters have unique stories of their own.