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<\/p>\nBarbara Knox has captivated the nation as the beloved Rita Tanner on Coronation Street, but after a 51-year run, she knows that her time in Weatherfield is coming to an end. <\/p>\n
The talented actress arrived on the scene briefly for an episode in 1964, before returning as a regular in 1972, and has recently signed an extension on her deal, keeping her around way into 2024, despite hitting her 90th birthday on September 30.<\/p>\n
Currently, the performer is only second in the age ratings behind 91-year-old Bill Roache, who plays Ken Barlow.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/b>Inside Emmerdale Craig Reed star's life – Doctor Who past and major theatre role<\/b><\/p>\n
An insider told The Sun: \u201cBarbara is in Corrie\u2019s DNA. She is a true pro, and the executives were delighted that she put pen to paper to ensure she\u2019s on screens into next year.<\/p>\n
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The source continued: \u201cCorrie is a lovely, steady place to work with a supportive team, so it makes it easy to fit around family, having kids and as the cast have grown older.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a no-brainer for Barbara to sign on the dotted line when the regular renewal of contracts came around this year.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to reports, it's obvious to see why she's hung around for so long, as she reportedly takes home \u00a3200,000 per year.<\/p>\n
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Showcasing her outrageous longevity, Rita has remained an integral character in the soap, appearing in 3885 of the show's 10,700 episodes.<\/p>\n
Remarkably, Roach has racked up an astonishing 4470 episodes, while Helen Worth, who plays Gail Platt, could overtake him and become top dog with a current figure of 4430.<\/p>\n
Unsurprisingly, during Barbara's time on the show, she has made many close friends, including Sally Ann Matthews.<\/p>\n
The Jenny Bradley actress said: \u201cI count myself very lucky that when I first joined the show, I had Barbara to work with \u2013 she's a real pro.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery year, she thinks she's not going to get another contract. I'm like, 'Seriously, Barbara?'<\/p>\n
"If she ever forgets a line, which is very rare, she won't sleep that night \u2013 she's terrible. I tell her off all the time. Not many people can!\u201d<\/p>\n
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To honour her impact on the programme, ITV will air an honourary birthday celebration special.<\/p>\n
In what will likely be a fantastic experience for Barbara, she can stick on her party hat, eat some cake and relax as the Chase's Bradley Walsh hosts the whole thing.<\/p>\n
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