By Olivia Wheeler

Copyright dailystar

Coronation Street fans are in for sad scenes this week as Rita Tanner faces a tough time on the famous cobbles. Earlier this week, Jenny Connor was seen vying for George Shuttleworth’s attention, hoping to outdo her romantic competitor Christina Boyd. Before a dating event at the Rovers Return Inn, George’s sister Glenda Shuttleworth revealed her plan to rig the evening so that Jenny got the first shot at George, not Christina. However, the night took a turn when Rita rung Jenny to tell her she’s had a fall. A worried Jenny left the event early upon hearing the news. As the plot thickens later this week, Jenny manipulates Rita’s accident to her advantage when George brings soup for the supposedly ill Rita. Realising she’s been caught in a lie, Jenny quickly ushers him out after he delivers the soup. But when Brian Packham discloses that Rita merely has a sprained ankle, it remains to be seen how George will react… Later, a remorseful Jenny apologises to Rita for misleading George about her health and admits she relished the attention. The question is whether Rita can forgive her once again or if Jenny has finally crossed the line… With the current storyline, many soap watchers have been wondering how old Rita actress Barbara Knox is in real life. The actress is an incredible 92 and has been a staple on the cobbles since 1964, her first debut, before landing a permanent role in 1972. It comes as it was reported earlier this year that Barbara has signed a new contract to stay on the soap past her 92nd birthday. It means the Weatherfield favourite will continue to grace the cobbles as Rita into 2026 and will be a major part of their 65th anniversary celebrations later this year. Speaking on a special ITV documentary to mark her 90th in 2023, Barbara vowed at the time to remain on the show for as long as the bosses would have her. “And If they’re listening, I don’t want to retire,” she insisted. Coronation Street continues on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV and ITV X.