Love triangle plot for Corrie's Rita

Coronation Street veteran Rita Sullivan will be at the centre of a love triangle plot after she returns to the soap next month, it has been revealed.

The Sun reports that the Weatherfield shopkeeper, played by actress Barbara Knox, is to compete against Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) for the affections of charming Lewis Archer (Nigel Havers).

It is thought that Rita secretly decides to hire the male escort for an upmarket ball, even though she knows that her friend has fallen for him. Audrey is then left disappointed when she tries to book Lewis too.

A source said: "He has to explain he's already booked. But Audrey still goes with a pal and is gobsmacked when she sees Lewis and Rita canoodling. They exchange insults - before Rita and Lewis storm out."

Rita has been absent from screens in recent months after 76-year-old Knox took time off for health reasons.

The long-standing character's comeback episode is to air on February 18. Meanwhile, her new romance storyline is expected to play out at Easter.