'Coronation Street' Barbara Knox: 'Show fans are very nice'

Coronation Street legend Barbara Knox has revealed that she enjoys interacting with the soap's fans when she is out in public.

The 78-year-old actress, who plays Weatherfield favourite Rita Tanner, discussed the ITV1 show's loyal following as she made a rare live television appearance on Lorraine today (September 19).


Pictured: Barbara Knox on Lorraine

Asked whether she is able to do her own shopping with such a recognisable face, Knox replied: "Well, I do because I think I should. At the end of the day, I'm a human being and I have to do my own shopping, and actually it's very, very nice.

"People are very nice, they love the programme, they come up to you and they are so kind. They tell you what we should have done, what we might have done, and 'Why didn't you…?'

"It's very nice, actually, because the programme hasn't got stale. People still love it. I do go about and sometimes they grab my arm and say, 'Come here, you!' I don't particularly like that, but I suppose it's affectionate in a way!"

She continued: "It has been about 40 years [for Rita], so people are bound to recognise you. If you stay around long enough, I think they come to like you - well, I hope so!"



Knox confirmed that she still enjoys her storylines, and is particularly pleased over Rita and Dennis now being married.

She explained: "I've been very lucky. Lovely stories, lovely people, and lovely to have Philip Lowrie back - wonderful."

Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV1.