Coronation Street fans are convinced a beloved Weatherfield resident will be killed off
Coronation Street viewers are worried a surprising departure might be looming for Rita Tanner following more than six decades on the cobbles.
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The legendary character, portrayed by Barbara Knox, first appeared all the way back in 1964. Rita has since evolved into one of the programme’s most cherished figures.
It’s safe to say The Kabin proprietor has experienced her fair share of major storylines throughout the years. From facing a brain tumour to getting caught up in the dramatic tram crash sequence, her journey in Weatherfield has been packed with excitement.
Her romantic entanglements have also frequently captured viewers’ attention. She’s walked down the aisle three times during her tenure – with Len Fairclough (Peter Adamson), Ted Sullivan (William Russell) and Dennis Tanner (Phillip Lowrie), reports the Daily Star.
Additionally, Rita boasts the distinction of receiving more wedding proposals than any other character, an impressive 15 from 12 different suitors.
Nevertheless, this week both audiences and Rita were moved to tears when her adopted daughter Jenny Bradley (Sally Ann Matthews) departed Weatherfield, nearly four decades after her first appearance.
Viewers will remember that Jenny chose to leave following several turbulent years in Weatherfield, seeking a new beginning in Spain.
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During touching scenes, Jenny and Rita shared their farewells. Yet now, in what could prove a heartbreaking development, fans believe Rita might follow in her footsteps and could be departing the street as well.
On a Coronation Street Facebook fan page, one person said: “Bless Rita! Made me tear up, hope she’s going to be alright.” Another viewer chimed in: “I think she’ll be next to leave. Not much left for her there anymore.” A third speculated a tragic health twist: “I said this as well, I have a feeling she’ll get cancer or an illness.”
One fan suggested she could meet her end during the Coronation Street and Emmerdale crossover episode next year: “They might wait to kill her off until the Emmerdale crossover.” A fifth concurred: “Yes I think this too.”
Soap boss Iain MacLeod recently dropped a bombshell that a beloved Weatherfield resident will meet their demise in the new year, as part of the historic crossover with soap Emmerdale in early 2026.
Ahead of the ITV show’s 65th anniversary in December, executive producer Iain told Daily Star: “The soap gods demand a sacrifice when you have an event of this kind.”
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He further added: “Sometimes the biggest and best exits for characters that you care the most about. It’s going to be shocking. There will be lots of trauma, drama and twists.”
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX
