Barbara Knox – 1933

The 87-year old Barbara Knox has a long list of awards to her credit and is an MBE. Not many took notice of her till she appeared as Rita Tanner in what else but Coronation Street. Knox played the role of Rita for nearly 50 years and was successful at crafting the character into one of the most fascinating and iconic of any TV show in the British isles.

While working in the post office in her teens, Barbara appeared in occasional theatre performances, eventually making her way to television. These days the beloved performer has been quietly enjoying her retirement, no doubt a very well deserved one.