The Enigmatic Love Life of Coronation Street Icon Barbara Knox

Life of Corrie legend Barbara Knox – very private marriages and co-star fallout

The Iconic Barbara Knox

Barbara Knox, the beloved actress and icon of Coronation Street, has been part of the soap for an incredible six decades. Adored by millions of viewers around the world, Knox is recognized as the longest-serving female TV soap star. Her portrayal of Rita Littlewood, a character that has become synonymous with the show, has captivated audiences since the 1960s. As she celebrates her 90th birthday, a new ITV documentary titled “Barbara Knox at 90” takes a nostalgic look at her life and career, both on and off the screen.

A Journey on the Cobbles

Knox made her first appearance on Coronation Street in 1964 but returned to the show permanently in the 1970s. Before her time on Corrie, she worked alongside the legendary comedian Ken Dodd on the sketch show “Funny You Should Say That.” Interestingly, she had to seek Dodd’s permission to join Coronation Street due to potential filming clashes. This anecdote highlights the respect and camaraderie between artists and the significance of the soap in the entertainment industry.

Looking back on her first day on set, Knox shared a heartwarming memory. In a video posted on Twitter, filmed from the iconic Rovers Return pub, she recounted her beginnings as Rita Littlewood: “I want to tell you a bit about it, and I want to tell you I started right here, on this spot, all those years ago as Rita Littlewood… I fell in love with Coronation Street, and I never wanted to leave. Please, be loyal to us, as you have, because without you we have nothing really. I hope we’ve entertained you. I’ve loved it, I hope you have.”

A Sun-Soaked Getaway and Co-Star Fallout

In a throwback photo shared by Knox to celebrate Coronation Street’s milestone of 10,000 episodes, she can be seen posing alongside fellow stars Jean Alexander, Eileen Derbyshire, Thelma Barlow, Anne Kirkbride, Doris Speed, and Julie Goodyear. The image captures the group’s characters heading abroad for a sun-soaked girls’ getaway in Majorca, Spain, during the 1970s.

While the ladies enjoyed their time in Majorca, tensions arose back home as their male co-stars felt left out and expressed their discontent. Knox revealed that in real life, the men were genuinely annoyed by the trip, sharing on the Corrie special “60 Unforgettable Years”: “We got word that the ladies were going to work in Majorca for a week, and the men in the cast, the silly beggars, they wouldn’t speak to us. So off we went to Majorca, and everyone thought they’re having a great time – but it was dreadful.” This real-life drama highlights the complexities of working relationships and the challenges of maintaining harmony within an ensemble cast over such a long period.

A Private Personal Life

Beyond the realm of the soap, Barbara Knox has led a private personal life, shielded from the prying eyes of the public. She was first married to Denis Mullaney in 1956, with whom she had three children: Maxine, John, and Amanda. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1977. In the same year, Knox found love again and married her second husband, John Knox. Sadly, their relationship did not endure, and they separated in 1994. Despite facing heartbreak in her personal life, Knox’s acting career continued to thrive, testament to her unwavering dedication and talent.

Editorial and Advice

Barbara Knox’s remarkable journey as an actress and her enduring presence on Coronation Street serve as an inspiration to aspiring artists and fans alike. Her portrayal of Rita Littlewood has become an indelible part of the show’s history and has captivated audiences for decades. Furthermore, her ability to maintain a private personal life in an era marked by intrusive media attention is commendable.

It is essential to recognize and respect the boundary between an artist’s public and private life. While the characters they portray may become ingrained in our daily lives through the medium of television, it is important to remember that actors are separate individuals with their personal lives. The success and longevity of a television show such as Coronation Street rely heavily on the dedication and talent of its cast members, who deserve their privacy and personal space.

As fans, we should celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of actors like Barbara Knox without intruding on their personal lives. Our support and loyalty are crucial, as they rely on the love and appreciation of audiences to sustain their careers. Within the entertainment industry, it is vital to foster an environment that recognizes and values the personal well-being and privacy of artists.