Barbara Knox, MBE (née Brothwood, formerly Mullaney; born 30 September 1933) is an English actress, best known for her long-running portrayal of Rita Tanner in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street. She first appeared as Rita Littlewood for one episode in December 1964, before returning to the show as a full-time cast member in January 1972. Knox is currently the second longest-serving cast member in the show. The character of Rita is one of the most beloved and iconic characters on any British soap opera. The actress is recognised as being one of the second longest-serving current television soap opera star in the world. Knox made her professional stage debut in 1962 at the Oldham Coliseum Theatre, had a small role as a dancer in the 1969 remake of Goodbye, Mr. Chips and appeared opposite Ken Dodd in his 1972 comedy series Funny You Should Say That. She won the 1989 TV Times Award for Best Actress for one of her best remembered storylines, involving the Alan Bradley character. In 2006, she won the British Soap Award for Best On-Screen Partnership with Malcolm Hebden, having previously received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2004 ceremony. She was made an MBE in the 2010 Queen's Birthday Honours List alongside her co-star and friend Eileen Derbyshire. Early life Knox was born Barbara Brothwood in Oldham, Lancashire. Her mother worked in a mill while her father was a moulder at Platt's Foundry, and later a fireman. Early career Knox left school at 15 and worked as a telegraphist in the Post Office, learning shorthand and typing and had to pass Civil Service exams. She also worked in offices, shops and a factory. During this time she took part in amateur theatre until Carl Paulsen, who ran Oldham Rep, asked her to appear in The Boyfriend in 1962, which was her professional stage debut. Career Knox later appeared in television programmes such as Never Mind the Quality, Feel the Width, George and the Dragon and A Family at War, as well as doing a stint in Emergency – Ward 10. She also had a small role as a dancer in the musical remake of Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969) and did anything needed from announcer to stooge alongside several of the UK's top comedians for BBC radio's Comedy Half Hour. In 1972, she appeared opposite Ken Dodd in the sketch show Funny You Should Say