Coronation Street’s Barbara Knox took to the stage with her fellow cast members as the ITV soap’s live shows kicked off in London.
Announced earlier this year, An Audience With Coronation Street celebrates the long-running show’s legacy as stars share their unforgettable tales from their time on the cobbles.
Hosted by This Morning’s Sharon Marshall, the event features five Coronation Street stars live on stage at each performance and things got underway in London’s Dominion Theatre on Sunday night.
Sharon was joined by Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby), Jimmi Harkishin (Dev Alahan), Sam Aston (Chesney Brown), Patti Clare (Mary Taylor) and the legendary Barbara, who has portrayed Rita Tanner since 1964.
The 91-year-old, who reportedly signed a new contract this year to stay on the Street, wore a golden dress for the special evening as she shared tales from her decades on the nation’s most famous fictional Street.
Barbara’s first scenes as Rita aired in 1964, with the character appearing in just one episode. Eight years later, she returned in a more regular capacity and has been a staple of the Street ever since.
From running the Corner Shop with best friend Norris Cole to escaping villainous husband Alan Bradley in an incident involving a Blackpool tram, Rita has been at the heart of some of Corrie’s finest moments.
Discussing her reasons for taking part in An Audience With Coronation Street, star Barbara said: ‘I’ve always believed the magic of Coronation Street lives in the connection it has with its audience.
‘After so many wonderful years on the cobbles, it feels very special and a little nerve-racking to be stepping out and sharing some of those memories face to face.
‘I don’t often do things like this, but this show felt like the right moment to say thank you, and to celebrate everything Corrie has meant to all of us over the years.’
It wasn’t just Barbara’s appearance at the event that had fans talking, however, as there was also a very special surprise guest in the form of Ben Shepherd!
The This Morning star, as viewers know, is character Mary Taylor’s one true crush and he surprised Patti Clare on stage during opening night, arriving with a blanket covered in Mary’s face – much like the one Mary has in the show with Ben’s face on it.
What a moment!
Patti recently discussed her alter-ego’s obsession with the Tipping Point presenter, telling Lorraine: ‘Mary is deeply in love and very possessive of Ben Shepherd, and as the years have gone on, it’s developed.
‘So, she does have a comfort blanket, she does talk about him constantly in Preston’s Petals.
‘It would be wonderful one day if Ben did come onto the cobbles and went to see Mary in Preston’s Petals and bought some flowers from her and they had a wonderful afternoon.
‘However, nobody believed her that he’d been there, I think that would be wonderful.’
Lorraine cut to the This Morning set, where Ben and Cat Deeley were waiting for her call.
Lorraine jumped straight to the point: ‘Ben Shepherd, Coronation Street cameo. Tell me, could it happen?’
Ben answered: ‘I’m ready.’
He continued: ‘Lovely to see you Patti. Let Mary know that Ben Shephard is very excited…willing and able. I’ll be up there as soon as I can be.’
