After more than six decades in Weatherfield, Barbara Knox remains one of the most treasured figures in British television. Now 92, the actress—forever associated

with sharp-tongued shopkeeper Rita Tanner—has become synonymous with longevity, loyalty, and the beating heart of Coronation Street. And with that

extraordinary tenure comes a headline-grabbing revelation: the soap legend is reportedly earning a remarkable £200,000 a year for her continued presence on the ITV juggernaut.

It is a figure that reflects not just screen time, but legacy.

From 1964 Debut to Soap Royalty

Barbara first appeared on Coronation Street in 1964, though she didn’t become a permanent fixture until 1972. What began as a guest stint evolved into one of the most enduring character arcs in British soap history. Rita Tanner quickly cemented herself as a formidable force on the cobbles—equal parts warm confidante and steely survivor.

As proprietor of The Kabin, Rita became a pillar of the Weatherfield community. Generations of residents have passed through her shop doors, seeking advice, solace, or simply a friendly word. Over time, viewers watched her grow from glamorous nightclub singer to wise matriarch—her life unfolding against the backdrop of Britain’s changing social landscape.

Through triumph and heartbreak, Rita’s journey has rarely been quiet.

A Life Marked by Drama

Few characters in Coronation Street history have endured as much turmoil. Rita’s most harrowing storylines have included a life-threatening brain tumour diagnosis and her survival of the devastating tram crash—one of the soap’s most dramatic and talked-about events.

Her romantic life has been equally eventful. Rita has walked down the aisle three times: first to Len Fairclough, later to Ted Sullivan, and finally to Dennis Tanner. Each relationship brought its own share of passion and pain, cementing her reputation as one of Weatherfield’s great romantics.

In fact, Rita holds a unique distinction within the show’s history: she has received an astonishing 15 marriage proposals from 12 different suitors. It’s a testament to her charisma—and perhaps to her unwavering independence—that not all of them made it to the altar.

Most recently, fans were left emotional when her adopted daughter Jenny Bradley departed Weatherfield, closing a chapter that began four decades earlier. The farewell scenes were steeped in nostalgia, underscoring Rita’s central role not just in storylines, but in the emotional fabric of the series.

The Second-Longest Serving Star

When it comes to longevity, Barbara Knox stands near the very top. She is currently the second-longest serving cast member in the show’s history, surpassed only by William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow.

Roache, who reportedly commands a salary of £250,000, holds the crown as the highest earner on the soap. Yet Barbara’s reported £200,000 fee places her firmly among the elite—a reflection of her iconic status and irreplaceable presence.

While soap salaries are often a closely guarded secret, such figures offer a glimpse into the value ITV places on its most established stars. In an era when television is fiercely competitive and audiences are fragmented across streaming platforms, continuity and familiarity remain priceless assets.

And few faces are more familiar than Rita Tanner’s.

Honoured for a Lifetime in Drama

Barbara’s contribution to British television has not gone unnoticed. In 2010, she was awarded an MBE for her services to drama—an honour that acknowledged not just her longevity, but the cultural impact of her work.

More recently, ITV celebrated her extraordinary career with a dedicated documentary in 2023, shining a spotlight on her six-decade journey and the profound affection she commands from colleagues and fans alike.

Behind the scenes, co-stars often speak of Barbara with deep respect. Her partnership with William Roache has spanned generations, their characters evolving from youthful figures to elder statespeople of Weatherfield. Together, they represent living history within the soap world.

A Changing Landscape, A Constant Presence

Over the years, Coronation Street has introduced and bid farewell to countless characters. Dramatic exits, shocking deaths, and explosive storylines have kept viewers hooked. Yet amid the constant change, Rita has remained a reassuring constant.

Other prominent cast members are also believed to command significant salaries. Michael Le Vell, who plays Kevin Webster, reportedly earns around £170,000 annually, while Simon Gregson’s portrayal of Steve McDonald brings in an estimated £150,000.

But even among these seasoned actors, Barbara’s tenure stands apart. At 62 years and counting, her career on the cobbles is virtually unparalleled in British television.

The Emotional Weight of an Era

As Rita ages on screen, storylines have naturally shifted to reflect her later years. Themes of mortality, friendship, and legacy have taken centre stage, lending her scenes an added poignancy. When Jenny Bradley recently left Weatherfield, viewers were reminded that time moves on—even for legends.

Yet Rita’s resilience remains intact. Whether dispensing advice from behind The Kabin counter or navigating new challenges, she continues to embody the spirit of the street.

The reported £200,000 salary is, in many ways, symbolic. It represents not only Barbara Knox’s current role but her decades of dedication to a single character. In a profession often marked by fleeting fame, her career is a masterclass in endurance.

A National Treasure

At 92, Barbara Knox is more than a soap star—she is a national institution. Her portrayal of Rita Tanner has become woven into the cultural tapestry of Britain, spanning generations of viewers who have grown up alongside her.

As the television industry continues to evolve, Coronation Street itself faces the pressures of modern broadcasting. Yet the presence of icons like Barbara ensures that the show’s rich heritage remains firmly rooted in its future.

For now, Rita Tanner’s story is far from over. And as long as she remains on the cobbles, audiences will continue to tune in—not just for the drama, but for the comfort of seeing a familiar face who has weathered every storm.

In a world of constant change, Barbara Knox stands as proof that some legends truly are timeless.